Photocatalytic Oxidation of Benzyl Alcohol to Benzaldehyde with the Participation of Crystalline Carbon Nitride Doped with Oxygen

Samples of crystalline carbon nitride doped with oxygen were obtained, which exhibit high photocatalytic activity in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde under the action of visible light. The quantum yield of benzaldehyde formation with the participation of the optimal photocatalyst can reach Φ ≈ 49% at λ_irr = 405 nm, which is almost twice as high as when using undoped crystalline carbon nitride. This effect can be associated both with more intense absorption of light in the visible range of the spectrum due to the appearance of the n → π* band of the electronic transition, and with a better separation of photogenerated charges and inhibition of their recombination.