Graphitic carbon nitride (g-CN)-based membranes for advanced separation

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ), which is composed of replicate tri- s -triazine units, has received tremendous attention in the area of membrane-based technologies. Due to its unique chemical versatility, intrinsic porous characteristics, high stability and "earth-abundant" nature, g-C 3 N 4 has been widely employed to construct various functional membranes to meet different separation demands. This review outlines the advanced strategies in synthesizing ultrathin g-C 3 N 4 -based membranes, such as filtration-assisted coating, blending, interfacial polymerization, dip coating, electrospinning and three-dimensional printing. Then, representative applications of g-C 3 N 4 membranes in water treatment (desalination and contaminants removal), gas separation and pervaporation are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of g-C 3 N 4 -based membranes are also noted to inspire the development of high-performance separation membranes. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ), which is composed of replicate tri- s -triazine units, has received tremendous attention in the area of membrane-based technologies.