Photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by carbon quantum dots functionalized g-CN: A review.

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN) has received much attention due to its unique characteristics of stable physicochemical features, facile preparation, and inexpensive cost. However, the bulk g-CN has a weak capacity for pollutant degradation and needs to be modified for real application. Therefore, extensive research has been done on g-CN, and the discovery of the novel zero-dimensional nanomaterials known as carbon quantum dots (CQDs) provided it with a unique modification option. In this review, the development for the removal of organic pollutants by g-CN/CQDs was discussed. Firstly, the preparation of g-CN/CQDs were introduced. Then, the application and the degradation mechanism of g-CN/CQDs were briefly described. And the discussion of the influencing factors on g-CN/CQDs' ability to degrade organic pollutants came in third. Finally, the conclusions of photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants by g-CN/CQDs and future perspectives followed. This review will strengthen the understanding of the photocatalytic degradation of real organic wastewater by g-CN/CQDs, including their preparation, application, mechanism, and influencing factors.