Engineering of hybrid gCN/MOF interfaces for versatile electrochemical and environmental applications

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (gCN)/metal-organic framework (MOF) composites have emerged as promising materials in photocatalysis, environmental remediation, energy storage and conversion technologies. The efficiency of gCN/MOF composites stems from their synergistic combination of unique properties. The MOF component offers an extensive surface area and a tunable porous architecture, while gCN contributes exceptional photoresponsive catalytic activity, collectively enhancing the efficiency of the composites in advanced applications, such as water splitting. Their applications are remarkably outlining various engineering domains, with particular significance in green energy initiatives and environmental research. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the synthetic strategies for these composites, elucidating their distinctive structural and functional attribute. The synthesized composites have been evaluated for their photochemical and electrochemical applications, including the degradation of various dyes, the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide and their use in metal-ion batteries. This assessment examines the functional efficacy of composites in light-driven dye photodegradation and electrochemical processes, with a specific focus on the catalytic conversion of CO₂ into value-added products. Moreover, their performance as electrode materials in metal-ion batteries (sodium-ion and lithium-ion batteries) has been assessed, focusing on parameters like capacity, stability, and charge-discharge cycles. This review highlights the versatility and promising future of gCN/MOF composites in addressing critical challenges in the energy and environmental sectors.