Functionalization of graphitic C3N5 with Pd nanoparticles: An efficient photocatalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reaction

Abstract

Utilizing sunlight as a driving force in chemical reactions is a great benefit for a sustainable future. Metal‐based composites are basic components in various catalytic reactions. However, few researches reported carbon nitride‐supported Pd nanoparticles in photocatalytic coupling reactions. This study reports the preparation of a graphitic‐carbon nitride system (C3N5) followed by modification with various amounts of Pd nanoparticles. The C3N5 was synthesized by thermal deammoniation of melem hydrazine precursor and then modified by Pd cations to create a metallic composite. Regarding the N‐rich surface of C3N5, Pd2+ cations are rapidly reduced to Pd nanoparticles in mild conditions, which is strongly supported by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Moreover, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analyses clearly depicted the formation of 20 nm Pd nanoparticles on the surface of C3N5. The obtained Pd/C3N5 composite exhibited prominent photocatalytic performance for Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reactions (91% during 25 min at room temperature). This study also compares the effect of various amounts of Pd cation in the progress of Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reactions.