Merging Single-Atom-Dispersed Silver and Carbon Nitride to a Joint Electronic System via Copolymerization with Silver Tricyanomethanide

Herein, we present an approach to create a hybrid between single-atom-dispersed silver and a carbon nitride polymer. Silver tricyanomethanide (AgTCM) is used as a reactive comonomer during templated carbon nitride synthesis to introduce both negative charges and silver atoms/ions to the system. The successful introduction of the extra electron density under the formation of a delocalized joint electronic system is proven by photoluminescence measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations, and measurements of surface 4-potential. At the same time, the principal structure of the carbon nitride network is not disturbed, as shown by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis. The synthesis also results in an improvement of the visible light absorption and the development of higher surface area in the final products. The atom-dispersed AgTCM-doped carbon nitride shows an enhanced performance in the selective hydrogenation of alkynes in comparison with the performance of other conventional Ag-based materials prepared by spray deposition and impregnation-reduction methods, here exemplified with 1-hexyne.