A Comprehensive Review on g-C3N4–TiO2 Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Removal of Organic Pollutants: Insights into Synthesis and Degradation Mechanisms
摘要
The persistent presence of organic pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics, and pesticides in water sources poses a serious threat to human and ecological health. Photocatalysis, particularly using semiconductor materials, offers a green, efficient approach for the mineralization of these pollutants under light irradiation. Among various photocatalysts, titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely studied, yet its performance is limited by its wide bandgap and fast electron–hole recombination. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a polymeric, metal-free semiconductor, has emerged as a promising co-catalyst for forming heterojunctions with TiO2. In this comprehensive review, we systematically summarize and critically analyze the synthesis, structural properties, photocatalytic mechanisms, and pollutant degradation performance of g-C3N4–TiO2 heterostructures. Special emphasis is placed on the degradation of common classes of pollutants: synthetic dyes, pharmaceutical antibiotics, and agricultural pesticides. The influence of heterojunction type, band alignment, synthesis method, surface area, and charge carrier dynamics is critically discussed. This review also highlights current challenges and provides future perspectives for the rational design of g-C3N4–TiO2 composites in environmental remediation.