Graphitic carbon nitride, synthesis strategies, characteristics and application as an electrode for advanced rechargeable battery systems

Electrochemical energy storage devices, particularly widely used rechargeable batteries, have attracted immense interest due to maturity in technology, ease of adaptability, technological diversity, superior energy density, high conversion efficiency and extensive accessibility of these systems. This has resulted in diversification of commercial applications of these devices ranging from portable consumer electronics to transportation. Less hazardous and abundant cell components are crucial for further broadening of their applicability for large scale applications such as grid-scale storage in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. Electrode is a vital component of any battery systems and can significantly impact its performance. Therefore, it is imperative to investigate different electrode materials for leading rechargeable batteries. Key motivation of this study was to evaluate graphitic-C3N4 as a potential electrode material for advanced rechargeable battery systems since it is considered both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Moreover, a two-dimensional layered structure of graphitic-C3N4 which is analogous of graphene has potential to enhance the energy storage performance of rechargeable batteries. During this study various synthesis strategies to produce graphitic-C3N4, with their advantages and disadvantages have been discussed. It’s application as an electrode material particularly for advanced/futuristic battery systems based on lithium-ion, lithium sulfur, sodium-ion and metal air batteries have also been covered comprehensively which makes this work rather distinctive. This study concluded that graphitic-C3N4 has immense potential to be an active material for battery systems. However, further work is required to optimize it’s structure, surface chemistry and hybridization with other promising active materials.