Large-scale synthesis of nitrogen-rich carbon nitride microfibers by using graphitic carbon nitride as precursor

A study presented graphite carbon nitride, which exhibits high thermal stability, as a precursor for the synthesis of nitrogen-rich carbon nitride microfibers. The precursor with a suitable synthesis temperature is significant in providing a constant vapor phase, which consequently ensures a high nitrogen content in the microfibers. The microfibers have graphitic structure and exhibit sp² hybridization features. The study observed a blue photoluminescence with a broad (FWHM), which is closely related to the high nitrogen content and weekly ordered microstructure of the microfibers. The study also suggests that the development of a vapor-phase synthesis may also pave the way to other specific structures based on a nitrogen-rich carbon nitride system, such as one-dimensional nanostructures and micro/nano-spheres.