Photoreforming of lignocellulose is a promising approach
toward sustainable H2 generation, but this kinetically challenging
reaction currently requires UV-absorbing or toxic light absorbers
under harsh conditions. Here, we report a cyanamide-functionalized
carbon nitride, NCNCNx, which shows enhanced performance
upon ultra-sonication. This activated NCNCNx allows for the
visible-light driven conversion of purified and raw lignocellulose
samples into H2 in the presence of various proton reduction co-catalysts.
The reported room-temperature photoreforming process operates
under benign aqueous conditions (pH ~2-15) without the
need for toxic components.Austrian Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs, the National Foundation for Research, Technology and Development, OM
