Unveiling Versatile Applications and Toxicity Considerations of Graphitic Carbon Nitride

oleh: Alexandra Paulína Drdanová, Timea Ema Krajčovičová, Miroslav Gál, Katarína Nemčeková, Zuzana Imreová, Jozef Ryba, Monika Naumowicz, Tomáš Homola, Tomáš Mackuľak, Veronika Svitková

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-07-01

Deskripsi

Metal-free, low-cost, organic photocatalytic graphitic carbon nitride (g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>) has become a promising and impressive material in numerous scientific fields due to its unique physical and chemical properties. As a semiconductor with a suitable band gap of ~2.7 eV, g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> is an active photocatalytic material even after irradiation with visible light. However, information regarding the toxicity of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> is not extensively documented and there is not a comprehensive understanding of its potential adverse effects on human health or the environment. In this context, the term “toxicity” can be perceived in both a positive and a negative light, depending on whether it serves as a benefit or poses a potential risk. This review shows the applications of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> in sensorics, electrochemistry, photocatalysis, and biomedical approaches while pointing out the potential risks of its toxicity, especially in human and environmental health. Finally, the future perspective of g-C<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> research is addressed, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of the toxicity of this material to provide safe and effective applications in various fields.