Polymeric carbon nitride as a platform for photoelectrochemical water-splitting cells

Polymeric carbon nitride (CN) materials are promising low-cost photocatalysts that exhibit a combination of chemical and physical properties suitable for converting light into redox activity on their surface. In this perspective, we describe our experience with this family of materials as light absorbers that serve as an anode in photoelectrochemical cells toward water-splitting. We describe some of the CN deposition techniques and procedures established in our lab. The knowledge gained from powder-based photocatalysis is implemented in photoelectrochemical scenarios and is used to determine the merits and shortcomings of resulting layers. We show how the preparation methods are oriented based on these factors and how high photoelectrochemical water-splitting activity develops in photoanodes we developed where CN(s) act as photoabsorbers. Lastly, we present our view on the future prospects of this field.