Graphitic carbon nitrides are polymers with graphite-like conjugated layer structures
which are formed mainly v ia the combination of carbon and nitrogen elements.Due to the graphite-like conjugated planes of these polymers
a variety of nanostructure materials could be synthesized
such as spherical
tubular
ribbon-like and mesoporous nanomaterials.These materials have various unique properties including low density
high hardness
chemical inertness
biocompatibility
and special optical and electrical characters.Therefore
they have wide applications as catalysis
biotechnology
gas storage
superhard materials
optical and electronic materials
metal anticorrosion.This review summarizes the synthetic methods of graphitic carbon nitrides and the latest progress in fabricating their nanostructures.The effects of preparation conditions on structures
morphologies and properties of these nanomaterials will also be discussed.