Single ruthenium atom supported on g-C3N4 as an efficient photocatalyst for nitrogen fixation in ultra-pure water

Ruthenium (Ru) single atoms were decorated on the surface of the graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) successfully in this work. By varieties of characterization, the existence of Ru single atoms and the defects (cyano groups) caused in the process of synthesis have been confirmed. The catalyst decorated by Ru atoms (Ru-CCN-0.05) had better absorption capacity and a wider absorption range of light than the catalyst with no Ru atoms loading on (Ru-CCN-0). Without the help of hole-scavengers, the rate of photocatalytic nitrogen fixation of Ru-CCN-0.05 in ultra-pure water was 2.26 mg L−1 gcat−1 h−1, 1.5 times that of bare g-C3N4. [Display omitted] •A simple method for the synthesis of Ru single atoms decorated g-C3N4 is given.•Ru single-atom loading reduces the use of precious metals and lowers costs.•Ru atoms lead to structural defects of the carrier material.•Ru atoms loading improves light absorption capacity of g-C3N4.•Efficient photocatalytic nitrogen fixation in ultrapure water is realized.