Graphitic Carbon Nitride Catalyzes the Reduction of the Azo Bond by Hydrazine under Visible Light

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride is a semiconducting material of a graphite-like 2D layered structure. It is well known for its photocatalytic properties, which can be exploited for solar-light-driven water splitting and degradation of organic pollutants. Here, we report its capabilities of catalyzing the reduction of the azo bond by hydrazine to two amines under visible light. This photocatalytic reaction provides a novel, appealing way to reduce azo dye wastes as pollutants other than degradation. With this method, the azo dye wastes can be photochemically converted to amines, which can be used as precursors for new azo dyes.