MIL-101-DIST/g-C3N4/Ni a new nano-photocatalyst for nitrobenzene photo-reduction via in-situ hydrogen generation from water splitting

A new nano-photocatalyst (MIL-101-DIST/g-C₃N₄/Ni) was designed to combine the unique properties of a modified metal-organic framework (a crystalline porous semiconductor with large surface area and tunable properties), g-C₃N₄ (a polymeric semiconductor with excellent photocatalytic properties), and nickel nanoparticles (which can enhance catalytic activity and facilitate charge transfer). Synthesis of MIL-101-DIST/g-C₃N₄/Ni was successfully performed and the structure, morphology and optical properties of the nanocomposite were confirmed by diverse methods such as FT-IR, PXRD, XPS, FESEM, TEM, TGA, ICP, EDX, elemental mapping, UV-vis DRS, BET, Mott-Schottky, EIS and PL. It was found by UV-vis DRS that MIL-101-DIST/g-C₃N₄/Ni has greater photo-absorption characteristic compared with its precursors. The synergistic interaction between the composite components creates a highly efficient photocatalytic activity for nitrobenzene photo-reduction by in-situ hydrogen generation from water splitting at room temperature under sunlight irradiation via a Z-scheme charge transfer pathway. By this eco-friendly method, various nitrobenzenes were selectively reduced to their corresponding anilines in high yields.