A review on the advancements of graphitic carbon nitride-based photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical water splitting has been envisaged as a promising green technology for efficient solar-to-fuel conversion. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) demands prime focus among the emerging class of potential 2D materials for energy harvesting and storage on account of its high chemical/thermal stability and metal-free nature. The unique characteristics of the material enable its application as both a photocathode and photoanode. However, the low photocurrent density of pristine g-C₃N₄ curbs its possible commercial application. Considerable attempts to modify the electrodes via nano-structuring, heteroatom doping, heterojunction formation, and other methods are in progress. The current review offers insights into the potential and limitations of g-C₃N₄ as a photoanodic/cathodic material.