Designing a nickel atrane-modified sulfonated graphitic carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation

A novel nickel metal complex was synthesized using a tripodal ligand as coordinating framework. This complex was further anchored onto a 2D-Sulphonated graphene carbon nitride surface, enhancing its stability and catalytic potential. The resulting hybrid material was thoroughly characterized using a range of spectroscopic techniques, including FT-IR, UV-Vis, NMR, XPS to confirm the successful coordination of the ligand with the nickel center and its subsequent immobilization on the functionalized support. These characterizations also provide insight into the structural, electronic, and surface properties of the synthesized composite. This hybrid system is designed to facilitate the photocatalytic reduction of nitrogen (N?) to ammonia (NH?), leveraging the excellent light-harvesting properties, chemical stability, and surface functionality of 2D-Sulphonated graphene carbon nitride, along with the catalytic activity of the nickel complex. The synthesized photocatalyst was able to effectively harness visible light, facilitating the photoreduction of nitrogen to ammonia and yielding 180 µmol of ammonia within a duration of two hour. The synergy between the metal complex and the functionalized 2-D graphene support aims to enhance charge separation, improve nitrogen activation, and ultimately boost the efficiency of the nitrogen-to-ammonia conversion under light irradiation.

Jyoti Rohilla is a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) at Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, specializing in inorganic synthesis and photocatalysis. Her research interests include photocatalysis, material chemistry, and environmental remediation, with a focus on designing advanced catalysts for nitrogen fixation and biomass. She has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and actively participates in national and international conferences. She is capable researcher with six years of research experience in Inorganic and Material chemistry with expertise in metal organic frameworks, photoocatalysis, electrocatalysis. A teacher, able to explain complex information in simple terms.