Pd single atoms on g-C3N4 photocatalysts: minimum loading for maximum activity

Velu J, Wu S, Qin S, Zhou X, Sarma BB, Doronkin DE, Kolařík J, Šoóš M, Schmuki P (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

DOI: 10.1039/d4sc08589b

Abstract

Noble metal single atoms (SAs) on semiconductors are increasingly explored as co-catalysts to enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production. In this study, we introduce a “spontaneous deposition” approach to anchor Pd SAs onto graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) using a highly dilute tetraaminepalladium(ii) chloride precursor. Maximized photocatalytic activity and significantly reduced charge transfer resistance can be achieved with a remarkably low Pd loading of 0.05 wt% using this approach. The resulting Pd SA-modified g-C3N4 demonstrates a remarkable hydrogen production efficiency of 0.24 mmol h⁻¹ mg⁻¹ Pd, which is >50 times larger than that of Pd nanoparticles deposited on g-C3N4via conventional photodeposition. This significant enhancement in catalytic performance is attributed to improved electron transfer facilitated by the optimal coordination of Pd SAs within the g-C3N4 structure.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Institut National Polytechnique de Toulouse (INP) France (FR) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Germany (DE) Palacky University Olomouc / Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci Czech Republic (CZ) University of Chemistry and Technology (UCT) / Vysoká škola chemicko-technologická (VŠCHT) Czech Republic (CZ)

How to cite

APA:

Velu, J., Wu, S., Qin, S., Zhou, X., Sarma, B.B., Doronkin, D.E.,... Schmuki, P. (2025). Pd single atoms on g-C3N4 photocatalysts: minimum loading for maximum activity. Chemical Science. https://doi.org/10.1039/d4sc08589b

MLA:

Velu, Jeyalakshmi, et al. "Pd single atoms on g-C3N4 photocatalysts: minimum loading for maximum activity." Chemical Science (2025).

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