Advanced activation of persulfate by polymeric g-C3N4 based photocatalysts for environmental remediation: A review

Photocatalytic materials for photocatalysis is recently proposed as a promising strategy to address environmental remediation. Metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), is an emerging photocatalyst in sulfate radical based advanced oxidation processes. The solar-driven electronic excitations in g-C3N4 are capable of peroxo (O‒O) bond dissociation in peroxymonosulfate/peroxydisulfate (PMS/PDS) and oxidants to generate reactive free radicals, namely SO4•− and OH• in addition to O2•− radical. The synergistic mechanism of g-C3N4 mediated PMS/PDS photocatalytic activation, could ensure the generation of OH• radicals to overcome the low reductive potential of g-C3N4 and fastens the degradation reaction rate. This article reviews recent work on heterojunction formation (type-II heterojunction and direct Z-scheme) to achieve the bandgap for extended visible light absorption and improved charge carrier separation for efficient photocatalytic efficiency. Focus is placed on the fundamental mechanistic routes followed for PMS/PDS photocatalytic activation over g-C3N4-based photocatalysts. A particular emphasis is given to the factors influencing the PMS/PDS photocatalytic activation mechanism and the contribution of SO4•− and OH• radicals that are not thoroughly investigated and require further studies. Concluding perspectives on the challenges and opportunities to design highly efficient persulfate-activated g-C3N4 based photocatalysts toward environmental remediation are also intensively highlighted. [Display omitted] •Advantages of peroxymonosulfate/peroxydisulfate (PMS/PDS) photocatalytic activation are mentioned.•The synergistic heterojunction effect on PMS/PDS over g-C3N4-based photocatalysts is evaluated.•The role of sulfate (SO4•−) radicals for pollutant degradation application are elaborated.•Challenges and future prospects of the photocatalytic activation PMS/PDS are proposed.