Intrinsic Defects in Polymeric Carbon Nitride for Photocatalysis Applications

Introducing intrinsic defects in polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) without the addition of exotic atoms have been verified as an available strategy to boost the photocatalytic performance. This minireview focuses on the fundamental classifications and positive roles of intrinsic defects in PCN for photocatalysis applications. The intrinsic defects in PCN are classified into several types, such as nitrogen vacancy, carbon vacancy and derivative functional groups such as cyano, amino and cyanamide groups. The critical roles of these defects on the electronic configuration, charge transfer and surface properties of PCN are also carefully classified and elaborated. Furthermore, the photocatalysis applications of the defective PCN including photocatalytic water splitting, N₂ fixation, H₂ O₂ production, CO₂ reduction and NO removal are summarized. In the end, the challenges and opportunities of defect chemistry in PCN for photocatalysis field are presented.