Browsing by Author "Zhang, Weiqi"

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    Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) in fuel cells: A comprehensive review of synthesis, functionalization, and multifaceted electrocatalytic roles
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Khotseng, Lindiwe; Ravichandran, Balamurali; Zhang, Weiqi
    The commercialization of fuel cells hinges on developing low-cost, durable, platinum-group-metal (PGM)-free electrocatalysts. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), an earth-abundant polymeric semiconductor, is a promising alternative due to its stability and tunable electronic structure. This review highlights the evolution of g-C3N4 from a material with inherent limitations, such as poor conductivity and low surface area, to a versatile platform for high-performance fuel cell components. We summarize key engineering strategies that overcome these drawbacks, including morphological control, electronic structure modulation via doping and defect engineering, and the formation of synergistic composites. Critically, this work provides a unique and holistic perspective by categorizing the distinct and synergistic electrocatalytic roles of engineered g- C3N4: (i) as a robust catalyst support superior to conventional carbons, (ii) as a potent metal-free catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), (iii) as an ideal scaffold for single-atom catalysts (SACs), and (iv) as a functional membrane additive. Despite significant progress, with performance rivaling platinum in alkaline media, major challenges persist. These include improving activity and stability in acidic environments (e.g. PEMFC) and developing scalable, cost-effective synthesis methods. This work consolidates the current state-of-the-art and outlines future research directions, including the use of advanced characterization and machine learning-assisted design, to realize the full potential of g-C3N4 for a sustainable energy future.