Structural engineering of g-C3N4 for enhanced antibacterial efficacy
Chao Ma1, Zikang Hu1, Tianbao Zhao1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xihua University, Chengdu 610039, China. yuan_doudou@163.com.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|June 3, 2025
Summary
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) shows promise as a photocatalytic antibacterial material. This review details its preparation, antibacterial mechanisms, and enhancement strategies for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photocatalysis
Background:
- Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a novel material with significant photocatalytic antibacterial properties.
- Its broad-spectrum efficacy, stability, and cost-effectiveness drive research, yet comprehensive summaries are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the preparation methods, antibacterial principles, and enhancement strategies of g-C3N4.
- To discuss the current status and future prospects of g-C3N4 in antibacterial applications.
Main Methods:
- Thermosetting polymerization, solvothermal synthesis, electrochemical deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and microwave-assisted synthesis for g-C3N4 preparation.
- Analysis of antibacterial mechanisms including reactive oxygen species generation and direct contact damage.
- Strategies for performance enhancement via surface modification, elemental doping, and heterojunction construction.
Main Results:
- Various synthesis routes yield g-C3N4 with tunable properties.
- Surface modification, doping, and heterojunctions significantly boost antibacterial activity.
- g-C3N4 demonstrates broad applicability in water purification, wound care, textiles, and packaging.
Conclusions:
- g-C3N4 is a versatile and effective photocatalytic antibacterial agent.
- Further research into enhancement strategies and application-specific development is warranted.
- This review provides a foundation for advancing g-C3N4-based antibacterial solutions.
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