Advancements in Photocatalytic H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> Production via Carbon Vacancy‐Engineered g‐C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>
Lin Wang, Huilin Hou
Abstract
Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is gaining prominence as a versatile oxidizing agent and sustainable energy carrier, prompting the need for efficient and eco‐friendly production methods. Traditional approaches face challenges such as high energy consumption and environmental impact, driving interest towards alternative methods like photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) has emerged as a promising photocatalyst due to its inherent band structure that facilitates solar energy utilization. However, bare g‐C 3 N 4 encounters limitations like rapid charge recombination and limited light absorption. Recent advancements have focused on enhancing g‐C 3 N 4 photocatalysts through carbon vacancy (Cv) engineering, which effectively modifies electronic and surface properties to improve photocatalytic performance. This mini‐review explores the fundamental principles and recent advancements in Cv‐engineered g‐C 3 N 4 photocatalysts for H 2 O 2 production. It discusses the critical roles of carbon vacancies in enhancing the photocatalytic performance of g‐C 3 N 4 , along with methods for creating carbon vacancies in g‐C 3 N 4 and their impact on photocatalytic H 2 O 2 production. The review also addresses challenges related to scalable synthesis and practical deployment of Cv‐g‐C 3 N 4 materials, providing insights into future research directions for sustainable photocatalytic technologies.