Photocatalytic overall water splitting by graphitic carbon nitride

Photocatalytic overall water splitting (OWS) without using any sacrificial reagent to realize H2 and O2 production in the stoichiometric ratio of 2:1 is viewed as “holy grail” field solar fuel production. Developing stable, low cost, nontoxic photocatalysts that have satisfactory solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency significance but challenging for realizing large-scale use this sustainable technology. Among various photocatalysts, graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) has shown great potential an ideal candidate fulfill breakthrough dynamic research due its attractive physicochemical properties. Herein, first time, state-of-the-art progress GCN photocatalytic OWS reviewed. We summarize basic principle along with advantages/challenges introduced. The strategies been used modulate activity are then reviewed, including cocatalyst investigation, morphology modulation, atomic structure modification, crystallinity engineering, heterostructure construction. Toward end review, concluding remarks perspectives future development presented, our expectation provide some new ideas design advanced photocatalysts.