Recent progress on S-scheme heterojunction strategy enabling polymer carbon nitrides C3N4 and C3N5 enhanced photocatalysis in energy conversion and environmental remediation

• Published in: Current opinion in chemical engineering Vol. 45; p. 101040
• Main Authors: Zhang, Junlei, Yu, Guojia, Yang, Chaoyang, Li, Shijie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• ISSN: 2211-3398; 2211-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2024.101040

Polymer carbon nitrides, such as C3N4 and C3N5, have considerable promise in photocatalysis because of their unusual thermostability, nontoxicity, and high solar energy usage efficiency. The S-scheme charge transfer mechanism can strengthen the whole photoactivity of a heterojunction by facilitating effective charge separation and maximizing redox capabilities. We outline the evolution from classic C3N4 to current C3N5, as well as the advanced S-scheme heterojunction technique for further photocatalysis advancement in energy conversion and environmental remediation. Furthermore, an outlook on future challenges and prospects for C3N4- and C3N5-based S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts is presented. [Display omitted] •Polymer carbon nitrides C3N4 and C3N5 show great potential in photocatalysis due to their exceptional thermostability, nontoxicity, and high solar energy utilization efficiency.•S-scheme heterojunction construction strategy is becoming a significant method for improving the energy conversion and environmental remediation capabilities of polymer carbon nitrides C3N4 and C3N5.•Development from C3N4 to C3N5 as well as the further modification and optimization by building a S-scheme heterojunction in environmental remediation and energy conversion is presented.•Prospects for future advancements and current obstacles are emphasized.