Self-assembled g-C3N4 nanosheets with Ca2+ linkage

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (g-C₃N₄ NS) are an important material with many promising practical applications. However, construction of g-C₃N₄ NS self-assembled structures with three dimensions (3D) has never been realized. Here, we prepared a self-assembled g-C₃N₄ NS microgel (SGM) via hydrothermal treatment of g-C₃N₄ NS in the presence of Ca²⁺. The size and microstructure of SGM can be controlled by the concentration of Ca²⁺. The obtained SGM also exhibits a temperature response, improved optical properties and high photocatalytic activity.