Recent developments in carbon nitride for enhanced photocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction: A review

In recent years, carbon dioxide removal has been a hot topic due to increased global warming, and photocatalytic reduction of CO₂ can be the best stratagem to reduce its concentration. Among many catalysts, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) can be the best choice for CO₂ removal due to its promising band gap and superior physicochemical stability. The current review explains the thermodynamics of CO₂ removal and benchmarks the essential requirements for its improved kinetics. It further highlights recent developments in the g-C₃N₄-based catalysts, which include morphological adjustments, heterojunctions, defect engineering, doping, and composite fabrication. Moreover, the impact of metal oxides and sulfides on band structure and the catalytic behavior of g-C₃N₄ is demonstrated. In summary, this review article provides an in-depth analysis of the various endeavors made to improve the photocatalytic tenders of the g-C₃N₄ for enhancing its CO₂ removal activity and can be a worthwhile addition to the literature for its great ideas to address environmental pollution in terms of CO₂ reduction.