Chapter 20 - Graphitic carbon nitride: Triggering the solar light–assisted decomposition of hazardous substances

Abstract

Environmental pollution requires a facile, sustainable, and adjustable approach for the processing. Most of the standard treatment procedures include high temperature and pressure, accompanied by expensive catalysts. Visible light improves decomposing systems of various contaminants from the hydrosphere and atmosphere. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) dragged research interest in the degradation of diverse environmental contaminants, due to its photoactivity under the visible electromagnetic spectrum, production of oxidative species, and a range of relatively simple ways of synthesis. Nowadays, catalytic properties of g-C3N4 are enhanced by expanding surface area, widening of the bandgap, and by the development of doped or copolymer materials. Mechanisms of catalysis using different nanocomposites are given in detail, followed by the extent of degradation of dangerous chemicals. Considering all valuable evolutions of g-C3N4 as an important ingredient in the degeneration of diverse pollutants, here we provide a systematic overview of the nanostructured g-C3N4 used in solving environmental problems.