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Electrochemistry of Layered Graphitic Carbon Nitride Synthesised from Various Precursors: Searching for Catalytic Effects
Author(s) -
Yew Ying Teng,
Lim Chee Shan,
Eng Alex Yong Sheng,
Oh Junghoon,
Park Sungjin,
Pumera Martin
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.201501009
Subject(s) - graphitic carbon nitride , catalysis , electrochemistry , pyrolysis , melamine , materials science , glassy carbon , carbon fibers , carbon nitride , nitride , chemical engineering , nitrogen , inorganic chemistry , electrode , nanotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry , cyclic voltammetry , composite material , photocatalysis , layer (electronics) , composite number , engineering
Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ), synthesised by pyrolysis of different precursors (dicyandiamide, melamine and urea) under varying reaction conditions (air and nitrogen gas) is subjected to electrochemical studies for the elucidation of the inherent catalytic efficiency of the pristine material. Contrary to popular belief, pristine g‐C 3 N 4 shows negligible, if any, enhancement in its electrochemical behaviour in this comprehensive study. Voltammetric analysis reveals g‐C 3 N 4 to display similar catalytic efficiency to the unmodified glassy carbon electrode surface on which the bulk material was deposited. This highlights the non‐catalytic nature of the pristine material and challenges the feasibility of using g‐C 3 N 4 as a heterogeneous catalyst to deliver numerous promised applications.