Novel Graphitic Oxynitrides as Photocatalysts for Sustainable H Production and CO Valorization. The Importance of Self-Assembly for Catalytic Activity.

The field of carbocatalysis, often portrayed by paradigmatic graphitic carbonaceous structures, has become a booming topic tailored for multiple applications. To this end, a new metal-free carbocatalyst has been constructed from simple prebiotic monomers such as cyanamide and glyoxal. The resulting material shows an excellent performance as photocatalyst for H production and CO valorization, thus unveiling its real value to tackle sustainable goals.