Phenanthrenequinone-Modified Conjugated Polymer Enabling Photocatalytic H2O2 Generation via Efficient O2− Conversion

Abstract

The photocatalytic O₂ reduction reaction offers a promising approach to synthesizing H₂O₂. Nevertheless, the low conversion efficiency of O₂⁻ constrains the efficiency of photocatalytic H₂O₂ production. This is because O₂ can readily obtain electrons to generate O₂⁻, but it is challenging to reacquire electrons after generating O₂⁻. Accordingly, this study proposes the improvement of the conversion efficiency of O₂⁻ through the directional enrichment of photogenerated charges at sites of O₂⁻ reduction and stabilization of O₂⁻. This study introduces a phenanthrenequinone group with adjacent carbonyl groups as the O₂⁻ reduction reaction site. The directional enrichment of photogenerated charges at the O₂⁻ reduction site enhances the probability of O₂⁻ obtaining electrons. Concurrently, the special adsorption configuration enhances the adsorption, and stabilizes·O₂⁻ on the catalyst surface, accelerating the conversion of O₂⁻ to H₂O₂ and achieving an H₂O₂ generation rate of 3400 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹. This work presents an innovative tactic regarding the efficient reduction of O₂⁻ to H₂O₂, which informs the structural design of advanced photocatalytic systems for the production of H₂O₂.