title: Electrochemistry of Layered Graphitic Carbon Nitride Synthesised from Various Precursors: Searching for Catalytic Effects.
abstract: Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3 N4 ), synthesised by pyrolysis of different precursors (dicyandiamide, melamine and urea) under varying reaction conditions (air and nitrogen gas) is subjected to electrochemical studies for the elucidation of the inherent catalytic efficiency of the pristine material. Contrary to popular belief, pristine g-C3 N4 shows negligible, if any, enhancement in its electrochemical behaviour in this comprehensive study. Voltammetric analysis reveals g-C3 N4 to display similar catalytic efficiency to the unmodified glassy carbon electrode surface on which the bulk material was deposited. This highlights the non-catalytic nature of the pristine material and challenges the feasibility of using g-C3 N4 as a heterogeneous catalyst to deliver numerous promised applications.
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore.
authors.forename: Ying Teng
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Yew
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore.
authors.forename: Chee Shan
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore.
authors.forename: Alex Yong Sheng
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Eng
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon, 402-751, Korea.
authors.forename: Junghoon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Nam-gu, Incheon, 402-751, Korea.
authors.forename: Sungjin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore. pumera.research@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pumera
keywords: carbon nitride; electrocatalysis; hydrogen evolution reaction; layered compounds; oxygen reduction reaction