Light?Induced Ammonia Generation over Defective Carbon Nitride Modified with Pyrite

Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation under ambient conditions is currently widely explored in an attempt to develop a sustainable alternative for the Haber–Bosch process. In this work, defect-rich carbon nitride, one of most investigated photocatalysts reported literature ammonia generation, combined with earth-abundant and bioinspired FeS2 improve activity production. By combination, enhancement ?400% compared unmodified nitride achieved. The optimal loading established be 1 wt%, yields up 800 µg L?1 after irradiation 7 h. detailed material characterization electronic properties composites before photocatalytic reaction, it revealed that NH3 generation occurs not photocatalytically from N2, but via light-induced reduction ?N–CN groups adjacent vacancies structure nitride. acts similar cocatalyst, enhancing yield by ?-back-donation Fe-centers imine thereby activating boosting cyano groups.