Rational design of a graphitic carbon nitride catalytic–biocatalytic system as a photocatalytic platform for solar fine chemical production from CO₂

We report that generating (formic acid) and regenerating (NADH/NADPH) from CO₂ and NAD⁺/NADP⁺ using a nitrogen-rich polymeric carbon nitride catalytic–biocatalytic system under solar light (λ > 420 nm) could provide a new approach for storage of clean energy. In situ thermally copolymerized urea along with a 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone (AQ) monomer using a modified carbon nitride (CN) photocatalyst (AQBCN) was undertaken. The artificial AQBCN photocatalyst–biocatalyst system led to formic acid (344.12 μmol) generation and NADH/NADPH regeneration (97.21/95%) in comparison with monomers. Our method could be employed to develop an AQBCN photocatalyst for selective regeneration of NADH/NADPH and CO₂ generation.