Research summary
Polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) chemistry is developed as a metal-free photocatalyst platform. Polymerization of cyanamide, dicyandiamide, or melamine produces materials of varying condensation built from tri-s-triazine units, with HRTEM confirming the two-dimensional motif [1]. Reviews then map how band positions and band gap can be tuned by doping and copolymerization and how textured g-C3N4 functions as a heterogeneous photocatalyst and organocatalyst for diverse reactions [2, 5]. Mesoporous architectures improve hydrogen-evolution efficiency from water reduction under visible light by roughly an order of magnitude compared with bulk material [4], and copolymerization of dicyandiamide with barbituric acid extends optical absorption further into the visible region to favor solar applications [8]. Ionothermal trimerization of nitriles in a ZnCl2 melt at 400 degrees C produces ordered and amorphous covalent triazine frameworks with very high surface areas, suitable as gas-storage hosts, sensors, or catalyst supports [3]. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of biomass is reviewed as a low-cost, environmentally benign route to functional carbon-based materials, with discussion of process parameters that influence product properties [6]. Mesocrystal formation, defined as colloidal crystallization of nonspherical nanocrystals trapped at intermediate stages with identifiable primary units, is reviewed across multiple inorganic systems as a route to nonclassical crystallization with controlled superstructure [7]. The work centers on visible-light-active polymeric semiconductors, porous frameworks, and biomass-derived carbons as components for solar fuels and sustainable catalysis.
Recent publications
- A metal-free polymeric photocatalyst for hydrogen production from water under visible lightDOI
- Graphitic carbon nitride materials: variation of structure and morphology and their use as metal-free catalystsDOI
- Polymeric Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a Heterogeneous Organocatalyst: From Photochemistry to Multipurpose Catalysis to Sustainable ChemistryDOI
- Porous, Covalent Triazine鈥怋ased Frameworks Prepared by Ionothermal SynthesisDOI
- Polymer Semiconductors for Artificial Photosynthesis: Hydrogen Evolution by Mesoporous Graphitic Carbon Nitride with Visible LightDOI
- Polymeric Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Heterogeneous PhotocatalysisDOI
- Engineering Carbon Materials from the Hydrothermal Carbonization Process of BiomassDOI
- Mesocrystals: Inorganic Superstructures Made by Highly Parallel Crystallization and Controlled AlignmentDOI
- Synthesis of a Carbon Nitride Structure for Visible鈥怢ight Catalysis by CopolymerizationDOI
- Thermally insulating and fire-retardant lightweight anisotropic foams based on nanocellulose and graphene oxideDOI
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Email Markus Antonietti 6-12 months before your application deadline. Read several recent papers and reference specific work in your message. Use our how to email a Japanese professor guide for the proven email structure.
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External profiles
- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8395-7558
- OpenAlex: openalex.org
Profile compiled from public sources (Researchmap, OpenAlex, The University of Tokyo faculty directory). Last refreshed 2026-05. Report incorrect information.