Recent advances in graphitic carbon nitride as a catalyst for heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions

• Published in: Dalton transactions : an international journal of inorganic chemistry 2021-11, Vol.5 (46), p.16887-1698
• Main Authors: Fei, Jia, Peng, Xin, Jiang, Longbo, Yuan, Xingzhong, Chen, Xiangyan, Zhao, Yanlan, Zhang, Wei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon; Carbon nitride; Catalysts; Charge transfer; Chemical reactions; Chemical synthesis; Composite materials; Contaminants; Hydrogen peroxide; Nanoparticles; Self-assembly; Thermodynamic properties
• ISSN: 1477-9226; 1477-9234
• DOI: 10.1039/d1dt02367e

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ), an appealing metal-free polymer, has featured in extensive research in heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions owing to its advantages of stable chemical and thermal properties, ease of structural regulation and unique redox ability. However, there are still some gaps in the understanding of the mechanism and fate of g-C 3 N 4 and its derivatives in heterogeneous Fenton reaction degradation of contaminants. This paper gives systematic emphasis to the development and progress of g-C 3 N 4 and its composites as catalysts in heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions. The main synthesis strategies of g-C 3 N 4 composites are discussed, including calcination, hydrothermal method and self-assembly method. Then, the key catalytic properties of g-C 3 N 4 in Fenton-like applications, including anchoring nanoparticles, increasing specific surface area and exposed active surface sites, as well as regulating charge transfer reactions, are highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on its multifunctional role in heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions and the mechanisms involved in the activation of hydrogen peroxide, persulfates, and photocatalytic activation of persulfate. Lastly, the existing challenges and possible development direction of g-C 3 N 4 -coupling Fenton reactions are proposed. It is believed that this paper will bring useful information for the development of graphitic carbon nitride in both laboratory studies and practical applications. g-C 3 N 4 based materials exhibit considerable potential in Fenton-like reactions. The g-C 3 N 4 material helps to enlarge the surface area and to provide more available active sites. g-C 3 N 4 is involved in charge transfer. g-C 3 N 4 is engaged as a suitable platform.