(85g) Synthesis of Large Area Carbon Nitride Nanosheets

A recent focus of many studies in catalysis and separation applications has been on microporous carbon nitrides, with particular attention given to poly(triazine imide) (PTI) and poly(heptazine imide) (PHI). Nanosheets of PTI and PHI are of particular importance in applications that require large surface areas, especially for membrane separations. In principle, an ultrathin composite layer of PTI or PHI nanosheets has the potential to exhibit both high selectivity and permeance. However, the majority of nanosheets documented in the scientific literature exhibit lateral dimensions of approximately 100 nm, impeding the advancement of membrane applications of PTI and PHI. To address this need, we have developed synthesis methods that utilize a three-salt eutectic mixture, enabling the production of micron-scale PTI and PHI crystals under ambient and vacuum conditions. This talk focuses on our recent work concerning the synthesis, activation, and exfoliation of PTI and PHI crystals and nanosheets.