Formation of HxN-rich graphitic carbon nitride network from guanidine carbonate salt by pyrolysis

• A carbon nitride phase is prepared by pyrolysis of the guanidine carbonate salt.
• The yield of the polycondensation reaction is 17.2%.
• The carbon nitride phase was characterized by XRD, XPS, EA, FTIR, SEM and UV–Vis.
• The carbon nitride phase is described from the global formula C3.00N4.29H1.59O0.77.
• Guanidine carbonate more environmentally friendly than most of the current reagents.

ABSTRACTHydrogenated nitrogen-rich graphitic carbon nitride material was successfully synthesized by pyrolysis at 550 °C of an unusual organic precursor molecule, namely guanidine carbonate. The product was characterized in detail using X-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, diverse spectroscopy techniques (Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron, ultra-violet visible absorption), nitrogen adsorption, and scanning electron microscopy. The results of characterization clearly confirmed the synthesis of a graphitic carbon nitride material (stacking of tri-s-triazine planes) composed of C3.00N4.29H1.59O0.77. In order to understand the mechanism of material formation, products obtained at different temperatures between 200 and 500 °C were systematically investigated. The guanidine carbonate salt precursor is presented to be a promising alternative source for the elaboration of the g-C3N4 material in relation to the classically used cyanamide, melamine or cyanuric-based molecules. Since it is more environmentally friendly and highly soluble in aqueous solvents this new method is definitely strengthening the possibility of process industrialization.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide