Isolated Cu sites cooperating with self-adaptive S vacancies for promoting photocatalytic hydrazine-assisted reduction of nitroarenes

Nitroarene reduction, a critical route for synthesizing the corresponding amines. However, conventional thermocatalytic typically involves harsh reaction conditions (high temperature, pressurized hydrogen, and anaerobic atmospheres) and relies on precious metals or extended reaction times. Herein, we have achieved photocatalytic CO 2 emission-free hydrogenation of nitroarenes at ambient conditions by introducing isolated Cu single atoms (Cu SAs) synergize with self-adaptive S vacancies (Svs) in CdS. In the presence of hydrazine servicing as an efficient hole sacrificial agent with harmless oxidation products, current design could circumvent the need for precious metals, high temperatures, strong radiation, vacuum environments, or H 2 gas. It is demonstrated that the isolated Cu sites and S vacancies act as hole-trapping centers and electron-enriched regions, respectively, which facilitate the effective separation and prolong the lifetime of charge carriers in the region, and achieve 97 % conversion of 4-NA within 8 min under mild conditions, outperforming many previously reported photocatalytic systems. In addition, the optimal Cu-CdS-5 demonstrates remarkable recyclability along with wide substrate scope. This research is expected to provide a new insight into the construction of facile and environmentally friendly photocatalytic hydrogenation reaction system.