Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by carbon quantum dots functionalized g-C3N4: A review

Jiahao Wen; Lean Zhou; Qingxin Tang; Xiaozhen Xiao; Shiquan Sun

doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115133

Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by carbon quantum dots functionalized g-C₃N₄: A review

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2023 Jun 14:262:115133. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115133. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Jiahao Wen¹, Lean Zhou¹, Qingxin Tang¹, Xiaozhen Xiao¹, Shiquan Sun²

Affiliations

¹ School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China.
² School of Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China; Key Laboratory of Dongting Lake Aquatic Eco-Environmental Control and Restoration of Hunan Province, Changsha 410114, China. Electronic address: shiquan_sun@csust.edu.cn.

PMID: 37327524
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115133

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has received much attention due to its unique characteristics of stable physicochemical features, facile preparation, and inexpensive cost. However, the bulk g-C₃N₄ has a weak capacity for pollutant degradation and needs to be modified for real application. Therefore, extensive research has been done on g-C₃N₄, and the discovery of the novel zero-dimensional nanomaterials known as carbon quantum dots (CQDs) provided it with a unique modification option. In this review, the development for the removal of organic pollutants by g-C₃N₄/CQDs was discussed. Firstly, the preparation of g-C₃N₄/CQDs were introduced. Then, the application and the degradation mechanism of g-C₃N₄/CQDs were briefly described. And the discussion of the influencing factors on g-C₃N₄/CQDs' ability to degrade organic pollutants came in third. Finally, the conclusions of photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by g-C₃N₄/CQDs and future perspectives followed. This review will strengthen the understanding of the photocatalytic degradation of real organic wastewater by g-C₃N₄/CQDs, including their preparation, application, mechanism, and influencing factors.

Keywords: Environmental application; Functionalization; G-C(3)N(4)/CQDs; Metal-free; Photocatalytic degradation.

Publication types

Review