Graphitic carbon nitrides (g-C3N4) with comparative discussion to carbon materials.

Abstract Graphitic carbon nitride g -C 3 N 4 was reviewed on its structure, synthesis, texture control, modification and applications, associating with the comparative discussion to carbon materials. Its basic structural unit is a layer of either triazine or heptazine cores consisting of C and N atoms, similar with a layer of hexagonal carbon rings of most of carbon materials. Fundamental synthesis process of g -C 3 N 4 is pyrolysis of its precursors associated with different techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition, pressurizing, templating, doping, etc., as those applied for the synthesis of carbon materials. However, the properties of g -C 3 N 4 are quite different from those of carbon materials; the former is hydrophilic but the latter is hydrophobic, and the former is photoactive for visible light but the latter is non-active. Here, g -C 3 N 4 is reviewed on its structure, synthesis, texture control and modification, and application with comparative discussion to carbon materials. Graphical abstract Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]