Synthesis of carbon nitrides with graphite-like or onion-like lamellar structures via a solvent-free route at low temperatures

Carbon nitrides with graphite-like or onion-like lamellar structures were synthesized at low temperatures by the reactions of cyanuric chloride (C3N3Cl3) with NaNH2, K, or NaN3. The synthesized samples were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis (from C-N combustion), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution electron microscopy. The synthesized carbon nitride with a graphite-like lamellar structure was obtained and observed for the first time. The formation mechanism of the carbon nitride was discussed.