Graphene oxide-assisted production of carbon nitrides using a solution process and their photocatalytic activity

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and its derivatives are promising candidates as catalysts or supports for photocatalytic applications. Since they are typically produced by polymerization or condensation of monomers under high temperature and high pressure, development of a cost-effective, solution-based, low-temperature method of production is important. Herein, novel hybrid materials composed of g-C3N4 and reduced graphene oxide are produced using a simple reaction between graphene oxide and cyanamide using a solution-based process. During the reaction, reduction of graphene oxide and graphene oxide-assisted generation of g-C3N4 occurred simultaneously. These hybrids show good photocatalytic performance for the removal of organic dyes under one sun solar light illumination.