Polymeric carbon nitride-based photocatalysts for the removal of nitrogen oxides: A review

Air pollution in Chinese megacities by particulate matter and ozone is a major health problem originating partly from emissions of nitrogen oxides. Therefore, there is a need for advanced methods to remove nitrogen oxides, such as photocalalysis using polymeric carbon nitride, yet this process is limited by low visible-light absorption and specific surface area, rapid recombination of carriers, and uncontrolled conversion pathways. Here we review catalysts made of polymeric carbon nitride for the removal of nitrogen oxides with focus on extending light absorption, enlarging surface area, inhibiting photogenerated carrier recombination, regulating the reaction process, outdoor applications, and reduction of nitrogen oxides to dinitrogen. Copyright © 2023 The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.