A review on quantum dots modified g-C3N4-based photocatalysts with improved photocatalytic activity

Abstract

In the 21st century, the development of sustainable energy and advanced technologies to cope with energy shortages and environmental pollution has become vital. Semiconductor photocatalysis is a promising technology that can directly convert solar energy to chemical energy and is extensively used for its environmentally-friendly properties. In the field of photocatalysis, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4) has obtained increasing interest due to its unique physicochemical properties. Therefore, numerous researchers have attempted to integrate quantum dots (QDs) with g-C3 N4 to optimize the photocatalytic activity. In this review, recent progress in combining g-C3 N4 with QDs for synthesizing new photocatalysts was introduced. The methods of QDs/g-C3 N4-based photocatalysts synthesis are summarized. Recent studies assessing the application of photocatalytic performance and mechanism of modification of g-C3 N4 with carbon quantum dots (CQDs), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and g-C3 N4 QDs are herein discussed. Lastly, challenges and future perspectives of QDs modified g-C3 N4-based photocatalysts in photocatalytic applications are discussed. We hope that this review will provide a valuable overview and insight for the promotion of applications of QDs modified g-C3 N4 based-photocatalysts.