Boosting Photocatalytic Activity Using Carbon Nitride Based 2D/2D van der Waals Heterojunctions

The surging demand for energy and staggering pollutants in the environment have geared scientific community to explore sustainable pathways that are economically feasible environmentally compelling. In this context, harnessing solar using semiconductor materials generate charge pairs drive photoredox reactions has been envisioned as a futuristic approach. Numerous inorganic crystals with promising nanoregime properties investigated past decade yet demonstrate practical application due limited photon absorption sluggish separation kinetics. Two-dimensional semiconductors tunable optical electronic quasi-resistance-free lateral transfer mechanisms shown great promise photocatalysis. Polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is among most candidates fine-tuned band edges feasibility of optimizing via genomics. Constructing two-dimensional (2D)/2D van der Waals (vdW) heterojunction by allies 2D sheets other demonstrated enhanced improved visible absorption, performance not restricted lattice matching constituting materials. With advent new over recent past, 2D/2D assemblies gaining momentum design high photocatalysts numerous applications. This review aims highlight advancements key understanding based heterojunctions their applications photocatalysis, including small molecules activation, conversion, degradations. We conclude forward-looking perspective discussing challenges opportunity areas future research.