Recent progress on non-metallic carbon nitride for the photosynthesis of H2O2: Mechanism, modification and in-situ applications

Photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production has been considered as a promising strategy for H₂O₂ synthesis due to its environmentally friendly. Among various photocatalysts, carbon nitride-based materials are excellent candidates for H₂O₂ production because of their excellent visible-light response, low cost and high stability. In this review, we summarize in detail the research progress on the photocatalytic production of H₂O₂ by carbon nitride. First, we summarize the basic principles of photocatalysis and photocatalytic H₂O₂ production. Second, the classification and modification methods of carbon-nitride-based materials are discussed, including morphology modulation, noble metal loading, defect control, heterojunction regulation, molecular structure engineering and elemental doping. Finally, the different in-situ applications of H₂O₂ via photosynthesis were discussed, including disinfection and antibiotic resistant genes degradation, organic pollutants degradation, medical applications and fine chemical synthesis. This review brings great promise for in-situ H₂O₂ photosynthesis, which is expected to serve as a key component in future applications.