Films of linear conjugated polymer as photoanodes for oxidation reactions

Chai, Shuming and Zhao, Shun and Su, Jiaxin and Zhang, Jinshui and Chen, Xiong and Sprick, Reiner Sebastian and Fang, Yuanxing (2024) Films of linear conjugated polymer as photoanodes for oxidation reactions. Chemical Science, 15 (37). pp. 15496-15503. ISSN 2041-6539 (https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC03512G)

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Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices hold huge potential to convert solar energy into chemical energy. However, the high cost of raw materials and film processing has hindered its practical use. In this study, we attempt to tackle this issue by fabricating straightforward semiconducting polymer films. These films function as photoanodes for various oxidation reactions, including water oxidation and oxidative organosynthesis. The structures of the polymer were assessed by incorporating electron-rich and electron-deficient co-monomers into dibenzo[b,d]thiophene sulfone materials. Furthermore, to gain comprehensive insight into the performance, we conducted both steady-state and in operando investigations, revealing that the active site on the polymer surface determines the rate of the conversion process. This study marks a significant stride towards leveraging economically viable semiconductors in PEC systems for efficient solar-to-chemical conversions. It addresses the challenges of high material costs and complex film processing, paving the way for the scaled-up application of this burgeoning technology.

ORCID iDs

Chai, Shuming, Zhao, Shun, Su, Jiaxin, Zhang, Jinshui, Chen, Xiong, Sprick, Reiner Sebastian ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5389-2706 and Fang, Yuanxing;
  • Item type:Article
    ID code:90340
    Dates:
    Date
    Event
    7 October 2024
    Published
    13 August 2024
    Published Online
    12 August 2024
    Accepted
    Subjects:Science > Chemistry
    Department:Faculty of Science > Pure and Applied Chemistry
    Depositing user: Pure Administrator
    Date deposited:23 Aug 2024 14:46
    Last modified:11 Nov 2024 14:25
    URI:https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/90340
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