Defect Engineering in Graphitic Carbon Nitride Nanotextures for Energy Efficient Solar Fuels Production: A Review

Abstract

Excessive release of greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and continuous utilization of fossil fuels has resulted in global warming and energy shortage. Among the different alternatives, photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to fuels and hydrogen production is a promising approach. To achieve this goal, highly efficient and low-cost semiconductor are demanding to maximize solar energy conversion to renewable fuels. In this perspective, metal free two-dimensional (2D) graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has attracted numerous considerations because of its low cost and higher reduction potential, but it has a lower efficiency. Herein, we demonstrated various engineering defect strategies in g-C3N4 to promote photocatalytic efficiency under solar energy. Initially, an overview of engineering defects, creation of different vacancies in g-C3N4, and their identification is discussed. In the main stream defect, engineering such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen to promote g-C3N4 photocatalytic efficiency is systematically disclosed. Subsequently, the role of sulfur (S) and phosphorus (P) atoms in g-C3N4 to maximize CO2 reduction and hydrogen production are deliberated. The comparative analysis, efficiency enhancement, and role of defect engineering are finally discussed to get higher yields and productivities under solar energy utilization.

Nanostructure Engineering of Sn‐Based Catalysts for Efficient Electrochemical CO2 Reduction

“…[15,16] Artificial photosynthesis in particular has attracted considerable research interest over the past few decades, since it offers the possibility of producing chemical products that traditionally rely on fossil fuels using waste CO 2 . [15,17] Various technologies have been implemented in artificial photosynthesis process, such as biocatalysis, [18,19] thermocatalysis, [20,21] photocatalysis, [22][23][24][25][26] electrocatalysis, [27][28][29] as well as photoelectrocatalysis. [30] Electrochemical CO 2 reduction (ECO 2 R) has attracted considerable attention due to its unique advantages, which include the relatively mild operating conditions; the tunable product selectivity and reaction path by regulating reaction Excessive anthropogenic CO 2 emission has caused a series of ecological and environmental issues, which threatens mankind's sustainable development.…”

Graphitic carbon nitride-based nanostructures as emergent catalysts for carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation

“…24,77–80 There are various reviews discussing in detail the preparation methods of g-C 3 N 4 . 21,28,81–83…”

Advances in Titanium Carbide (Ti3C2Tx) MXenes and Their Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)-Based Nanotextures for Solar Energy Applications: A Review

“…105 Doping is a type of point defect where impurities or foreign atoms are introduced, which disrupts the original lattice structure of the material. 193 A study conducted by Syzgantseva et al reported that the doping of metals into the lattice of MOFs is able to modulate the energy band gap of MOFs. Here, two MOFs, namely, MIL-125-NH 2 and UiO-66-NH 2 , were doped with different types of metals, and their E bg were observed.…”