Nanotechnology

Electrode

Photoelectrochemical cell

Carbon nitride

Photoelectrochemistry

Photocatalysis

Composite number

Catalysis

Carbon fibers

Physical chemistry

Band gap

Composite material

Chemistry

Materials science

Nitride

Graphitic carbon nitride

Layer (electronics)

Electrolyte

Water splitting

Optoelectronics

Electrochemistry

Biochemistry

Angewandte Chemie International Edition

Graphitic carbon nitride materials (CNs) have emerged as suitable photocatalysts and heterogeneous catalysts for various reactions thanks to their tunable band gap, suitable energy-band position, high stability under harsh chemical conditions, and low cost. However, the utilization of CN in photoelectrochemical (PEC) and photoelectronic devices is still at an early stage owing to the difficulties in depositing high-quality and homogenous CN layer on substrates, its wide band gap, poor charge-separation efficiency, and low electronic conductivity. In this Minireview, we discuss the synthetic pathways for the preparation of various structures of CN on substrates and their underlying photophysical properties and current photoelectrochemical performance. The main challenges for CN incorporation into PEC cell are described, together with possible routes to overcome the standing limitations toward the integration of CN materials in PEC and other photoelectronic devices.

Carbon Nitride Materials for Water Splitting Photoelectrochemical Cells