Researchers on the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a microporous covalent organic framework with dense donor-acceptor lattices and engineered linkages for the efficient and clean production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through the photosynthesis process with water and air.
Traditional industrial production of H2O2 via the anthraquinone process using hydrogen and oxygen, is very energy-intensive. This approach employs toxic solvents and expensive noble-metal catalysts, and generates substantial waste from side reactions. In contrast, photocatalytic production of H2O2 from oxygen and water offers an energy-efficient, mild and clean route. Most significantly, it addresses the common drawbacks of existing photocatalytic systems, resembling low activity, heavy use of additional alcohol sacrificial donors, and the need for pure oxygen gas input.
A research team led by Professor JIANG Donglin from the NUS Department of Chemistry has developed a brand new form of photocatalyst for the efficient artificial photosynthesis of H2O2 from water and air. The researchers constructed hexavalent covalent organic frameworks (COFs) wherein the skeleton is designed to be donor-acceptor π columns for high-rate photo-induced charge generation and catalytic lively sites. In parallel, the pore is engineered with hydraulically sensitivetrigonal microporous channels for immediate delivery of reactants water and oxygen. Consequently, these hexavalent COFs produce H2O2 spontaneously and efficiently from water and atmospheric air when exposed to visible light in each batch and flow reactors. Under laboratory conditions, the COFs show a quantum efficiency of 17.5 per cent under visible light at 420 nm in batch reactors. This method could be developed to construct self-cleaning surfaces and for disinfection treatments.
The research findings were published within the journal Nature Catalysis on 13 February 2024.
Prof Jiang said, “On this work, we successfully addressed a key and customary issue in photocatalysts, electrocatalysts and heterogeneous catalysts, which is the efficient supply of charges and mass to catalytic sites. Our give attention to precise structural design on the atomic level to explore each the skeletons and pores of COFs has led to the creation of a synthetic photosynthesis system for H2O2 production, achieving unprecedented photocatalytic efficiency.”
