Graphitic form of C3N4 through the solvothermal route

The synthesis of beta - C3N4, predicted from ab initio calculations, seems difficult owing to the stability of the N-2 molecule easily formed when high temperatures are involved in the preparation process. Using a solvothermal reaction (P approximate to 130 MPa, T approximate to 250 degrees C) between two organic precursors (melamine and cyanuric chloride) in the presence of a weakly nucleophilic base ([(CH3)(2)CH](2)-NC2H5) as the solvent to remove hydrogen and chloride as HCl, a brown-orange solid was prepared. Various physico-chemical characterizations (X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies) confirm the formation of the graphitic form of C3N4. This material provides art opening for the preparation of dense forms of C3N4 using a high pressure route.