Preparation and characterization of graphitic carbon nitride through pyrolysis of melamine

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has been synthesized via a two-step pyrolysis of melamine (C3H6N6) at 800°C for 2 h under vacuum conditions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns strongly indicate that the synthesized sample is g-C3N4. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphologies indicate that the product is mainly composed of graphitic carbon nitride. The stoichiometric ratio of C:N is determined to be 0.72 by elemental analysis (EA). Chemical bonding of the sample has been investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) verifies the bonding state between carbon and nitrogen atoms. Optical properties of the g-C3N4 were investigated by PL (photoluminescence) measurements and UV–Vis (ultraviolet–visible) absorption spectra. We suppose its luminescent properties may have potential application as component of optical nanoscale devices. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were also performed.