Recent Advances in Graphitic Carbon Nitride Based Electro-Catalysts for CO 2 Reduction Reactions.

The electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction is an effective means of combating the greenhouse effect caused by massive carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon nitride in the graphitic phase (g-C 3 N 4 ) has excellent chemical stability and unique structural properties that allow it to be widely used in energy and materials fields. However, due to its relatively low electrical conductivity, to date, little effort has been made to summarize the application of g-C 3 N 4 in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 . This review focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of g-C 3 N 4 and the recent advances of its application as a catalyst and a catalyst support in the electrocatalytic reduction of CO 2 . The modification of g-C 3 N 4 -based catalysts for enhanced CO 2 reduction is critically reviewed. In addition, opportunities for future research on g-C 3 N 4 -based catalysts for electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction are discussed.