Synthesis, properties, and application of polymeric carbon nitrides

The results of theoretical and experimental studies of the structure and properties of poly-meric carbon nitrides are reviewed. Various routes of the synthesis of these compounds using nitrogen-rich precursors, viz ., cyanamide, dicyandiamide, carbamide, melamine, etc ., are described. Particular attention is paid to the catalytic properties of graphite-like carbon nitrides and methods of their texture and chemical modification. The main trends for the synthesis of meso- and nanostructured materials based on graphite-like carbon nitrides are considered. Prospects of their practical application as efficient photo-, electro-, and heterogeneous metal-free catalysts are discussed.