A review on visible light driven spinel ferrite-g-C3N4 photocatalytic systems with enhanced solar light utilization

The utilization of inexhaustible and clean solar energy through semiconductor mediated photocatalysis is a renewable approach to solve global energy shortage and growing environmental issues. Among the numerous photocatalytic systems that have been extensively investigated, spinel ferrite/g-C3N4 (SFGCN) nanocomposites exhibit significant solar to chemical conversion efficiency. Their intriguing features such as excellent textural and microstructural properties, broadened light response range, improved charge separation efficiency, strong redox ability coupled with exceptional recyclable property and unique recoverable capability which are found advantageous for their boosted photocatalytic performances. The present review summarises various synthesis-strategies dominating the textural and microstructural properties of SFGCN photocatalysts. Emphasis was given to focus on designing principles of various SFGCN heterojunctions namely type II, p-n, Z-scheme and S-scheme from the perspective of charge separation, light absorption and redox capability. We have then highlighted their unique magnetic properties responsible for swift recovery from the treated solution. The exceptional stability of the present system was depicted in terms of recyclable affinity. The versatile applications in the realm of photocatalysis including photofixation of N2, H2 energy generation and pollutants remediation were briefly described. The challenges and future research directions for SFGCN system were addressed systematically along with the conclusion.