Metal-organic hybrid: Photoreduction of CO^sub 2^ using graphitic carbon nitride supported heteroleptic iridium complex under visible light irradiation

A novel heteroleptic iridium complex supported on graphitic carbon nitride was synthesized and used for photoreduction of carbon dioxide under visible light irradiation. The methanol yield obtained after 24 h irradiation was 9934 μmol g-1cat (TON 1241 with respect to Ir) by using triethylamine (TEA) as a sacrificial donor, which was significantly higher as compared to the semiconductor carbon nitride 145 μmol g-1cat under identical conditions. The presence of triethylamine was found to be vital for the higher methanol yield. After the reaction, the photocatalyst could easily be recovered and reused for subsequent six runs without significant loss in photo activity.