Electrochemistry of Layered Graphitic Carbon Nitride Synthesised from Various Precursors: Searching for Catalytic Effects

• Published in: Chemphyschem Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 481 - 488
• Main Authors: Yew, Ying Teng, Lim, Chee Shan, Eng, Alex Yong Sheng, Oh, Junghoon, Park, Sungjin, Pumera, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Blackwell Publishing Ltd 16.02.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Carbon; carbon nitride; Crystal structure; electrocatalysis; hydrogen evolution reaction; layered compounds; oxygen reduction reaction; layered compounds; carbon nitride; oxygen reduction reaction; electrocatalysis; hydrogen evolution reaction
• ISSN: 1439-4235; 1439-7641
• DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201501009

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4), synthesised by pyrolysis of different precursors (dicyandiamide, melamine and urea) under varying reaction conditions (air and nitrogen gas) is subjected to electrochemical studies for the elucidation of the inherent catalytic efficiency of the pristine material. Contrary to popular belief, pristine g‐C3N4 shows negligible, if any, enhancement in its electrochemical behaviour in this comprehensive study. Voltammetric analysis reveals g‐C3N4 to display similar catalytic efficiency to the unmodified glassy carbon electrode surface on which the bulk material was deposited. This highlights the non‐catalytic nature of the pristine material and challenges the feasibility of using g‐C3N4 as a heterogeneous catalyst to deliver numerous promised applications. Good as glass: Cyclic voltammetric measurements reveal the electrochemical behaviour of glassy carbon electrodes modified with graphitic carbon nitride, prepared by a variety of methods, to be similar to that of the unmodified electrode. Together with studies on oxygen reduction and hydrogen production, these results challenge previous findings describing the inherent catalytic activity of pristine graphitic carbon nitride.