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Due to the future uses of solar energy in different areas, such as the oxidation of fossil fuel-based contaminants, the reduction of carbon dioxide, heterogeneous photocatalysis, and the generation of inexhaustible and renewable hydrogen gas exploits semiconductors. As a metal free photocatalyst, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is classified to solve these energy hazards and ecological difficulties owing to its excellent electronic structure with band energy of about 2.7 eV, robust photochemical stability, and better light-harvesting efficiency. However, its photocatalytic performance is still insufficient due to a minor surface area and poor conductivity. Therefore, heterojunction formation by combining it with a giant band gap material is a potential approach to reestablish polarization in its distinctive band structure, increase its light absorption capacity and enhance its surface area. In this regard, various synthesis techniques have been applied so far to integrate g-C 3 N 4 and other materials for boosting its photocatalytic activity. So far, metal oxide, sulfides, and ferrites are three crucial groups of materials that have been identified and defined to be used to synthesize g-C 3 N 4 dependent nanocomposites. As a result, in this review, we have compiled a list of the most recent g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposites with their applications in solar energy adaptation and pollution control. This study concludes an overview about the next steps to study the nanomaterials based g-C 3 N 4 composites and a range of additional insights to solve the present problems. • This review addresses the properties and structures of g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst structure. • Pros and cons of their synthesis techniques. • The types of the g-C 3 N 4 -based nanocomposite are emphasized. • Approaches to improve the photocatalytic activity of g-C 3 N 4. • The most up-to-date photocatalytic applications were thoroughly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the graphite based heterogeneous photocatalysts has attained tremendous research attention in various environmental applications. Among them, the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is categorized as a unique solar active particle with its outstanding intrinsic properties i.e., adequate band configuration, excellent light absorptivity and thermo-physical durability, which make it highly useful and reliable for revenue transformation and ecological concerns. Considering the intrinsic potential of g-C 3 N 4 in photocatalysis, so far, no report has been done in literature for its extraordinary configuration, morphological characteristics and perspective tuning for said applications. To overcome this research gap, our primary emphasis of this review regarding photocatalysis is to provide layout as well as the advancement of visible-light-fueled materials as highly stabilized and extremely effective ones for pragmatic implementation. Thus, this existing comprehensive assessment conducts a systematic survey over visible light driven non-metal novel g-C 3 N 4. The major advancement of this evaluation is the fabrication of well-designed nanosized g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts with unique configurable frameworks and compositions. Furthermore, alternative techniques in order to customize the analogue band configuration and noticeable cultivation such as metal (cation), nonmetal (anion) doping, worthy metal activating, and alloy initiation with certain semiconductors are discussed in detail. In addition to this, g-C 3 N 4 photocatalytic functionalities towards photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, CO 2 photoreduction, biological metal ions deterioration as well as bacterial sanitization are also presented and discussed in detail. Therefore, we believe that such a pivotal compact assessment can provide a roadmap in several perspectives on the currently underway obstacles in the innovation of effective g-C 3 N 4 catalytic design processes. Moreover, this critical assessment will ultimately serve as a useful supplement in the research area of g-C 3 N 4 nanosized photocatalysts and for the researchers working on its key aspects in diverse range of natural, chemistry, engineering and environmental applications. • Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is a metal-free sustainable photocatalyst with a band gap of 2.7 eV. • G-C 3 N 4 has improved light absorption performance as well as electronic features. • Multiple synthetic approaches are being used with g-C 3 N 4 to improve its photocatalytic capabilities. • Metals/nonmetals doping, activation, and alloy formation are employed for g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposites. • Our review includes the latest current g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposites and their photocatalytic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the graphite based heterogeneous photocatalysts has attained tremendous research attention in various environmental applications. Among them, the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is categorized as a unique solar active particle with its outstanding intrinsic properties i.e., adequate band configuration, excellent light absorptivity and thermo-physical durability, which make it highly useful and reliable for revenue transformation and ecological concerns. Considering the intrinsic potential of g-C 3 N 4 in photocatalysis, so far, no report has been done in literature for its extraordinary configuration, morphological characteristics and perspective tuning for said applications. To overcome this research gap, our primary emphasis of this review regarding photocatalysis is to provide layout as well as the advancement of visible-light-fueled materials as highly stabilized and extremely effective ones for pragmatic implementation. Thus, this existing comprehensive assessment conducts a systematic survey over visible light driven non-metal novel g-C 3 N 4. The major advancement of this evaluation is the fabrication of well-designed nanosized g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts with unique configurable frameworks and compositions. Furthermore, alternative techniques in order to customize the analogue band configuration and noticeable cultivation such as metal (cation), nonmetal (anion) doping, worthy metal activating, and alloy initiation with certain semiconductors are discussed in detail. In addition to this, g-C 3 N 4 photocatalytic functionalities towards photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, CO 2 photoreduction, biological metal ions deterioration as well as bacterial sanitization are also presented and discussed in detail. Therefore, we believe that such a pivotal compact assessment can provide a roadmap in several perspectives on the currently underway obstacles in the innovation of effective g-C 3 N 4 catalytic design processes. Moreover, this critical assessment will ultimately serve as a useful supplement in the research area of g-C 3 N 4 nanosized photocatalysts and for the researchers working on its key aspects in diverse range of natural, chemistry, engineering and environmental applications. • Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is a metal-free sustainable photocatalyst with a band gap of 2.7 eV. • G-C 3 N 4 has improved light absorption performance as well as electronic features. • Multiple synthetic approaches are being used with g-C 3 N 4 to improve its photocatalytic capabilities. • Metals/nonmetals doping, activation, and alloy formation are employed for g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposites. • Our review includes the latest current g-C 3 N 4 nanocomposites and their photocatalytic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the most appealing way to harvest solar energy via cost-effective, renewable, clean and sustainable technology is the artificial photocatalysis which has drawn multidisciplinary attention to mitigate the upcoming energy disaster and environmental issues in the arena of sustainable development of society. For this purpose, significant progress has been made, regarding the selectivity of photocatalytic energy sources for potential productivity using solar energy pathway, nonetheless it has still become a difficult task for scientists in order to make and resolve the noteworthy problem of increasing global deterioration. According to a recent literature survey, the non-metal based graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) as a fascinating conjugated polymer based photocatalyst has emerged as a new research hotspot in the form of viable option related to its earth abundant elements, good stability, and ease in fabrication. Still, there are many disadvantages associated with g-C 3 N 4 , such as rapid recombination of photoexcited electron-hole pairs, which ultimately affect the photocatalytic hydrogen (H 2) and carbon dioxide (CO 2) conversion under solar illumination. Previously published several reviews only emphasize the proficient use of g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst for overall sustainable energy production as an effective treatment strategy. But the literature has never been addressed the use of g-C 3 N 4 with different morphological and structural characteristics for simultaneous H 2 production and carbon dioxide reduction. Therefore, the proper designing and development of novel photocatalysts with proper surface tuning and intrinsic properties towards efficient energy harvesting is of utmost interest. This review article is basically designed to properly address the existing issues and the recent progress of g-C 3 N 4 through various strategies with the aim of obtaining a robust and resourceful photocatalyst towards sustainable energy production. In this context, we had a clear debate regarding the proper tuning of g-C 3 N 4 based photocatalysts through various fabrication strategies, such as electronic structure via metals/non-metals doping, defects engineering, carbon dots, etc. along with Z-scheme heterojunctions, bimetallic cocatalyst, and organic metal-organic framework. At the end, this review is devoted to sufficiently summarizing the recent advancements and the possible future recommendation of the fundamental contribution of g-C 3 N 4 in a wide variety of sustainable energy production fields. [Display omitted] Scheme. Proposed graphical illuatration defining the overveiw of this manuscript. • The photocatalytic main principles of g-C 3 N 4 were comprehensively evaluated. • The key functional characteristics of g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts were acknowledged. • The various architectural practices for g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts were described. • The key characteristics of novel g–C 3 N 4 –based composites were outlined. • Significant photocatalytic functionalities of g-C 3 N 4 were discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]