Noble metal–free doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for efficient photodegradation of antibiotics: progress, limitations, and future directions

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is well recognised as one of the most promising materials for photocatalytic activities such as environmental remediation via organic pollution elimination. New methods of nanoscale structure design introduce tunable electrical characteristics and broaden their use as visible light-induced photocatalysts. This paper summarises the most recent developments in the design of g-C3N4 with element doping. Various methods of introducing metal and nonmetal elements into g-C3N4 have been investigated in order to simultaneously tune the material's textural and electronic properties to improve its response to the entire visible light range, facilitate charge separation, and extend charge carrier lifetime. The degradation of antibiotics is one of the application domains of such doped g-C3N4. We expect that this research will provide fresh insights into clear design methods for efficient photocatalysts that will solve environmental challenges in a sustainable manner. Finally, the problems and potential associated with g-C3N4-based nanomaterials are discussed. This review is expected to encourage the ongoing development of g-C3N4-based materials for greater efficiency in photocatalytic antibiotic degradation.