Photoredox-Catalyzed Simultaneous Olefin Hydrogenation and Alcohol Oxidation over Crystalline Porous Polymeric Carbon Nitride

Booming of photocatalytic water splitting technology (PWST) opens a new avenue for the sustainable synthesis of high-value-added hydrogenated and oxidized fine chemicals, in which the design of efficient semiconductors for the in-situ and synergistic utilization of photogenerated redox centers are key roles. Herein, a porous polymeric carbon nitride (PPCN) with a crystalline backbone was constructed for visible light-induced photocatalytic hydrogen generation by photoexcited electrons, followed by in-situ utilization for olefin hydrogenation. Simultaneously, various alcohols were selectively transformed to valuable aldehydes or ketones by photoexcited holes. The porosity of PPCN provided it with a large surface area and a short transfer path for photogenerated carriers from the bulk to the surface, and the crystalline structure facilitated photogenerated charge transfer and separation, thus enhancing the overall photocatalytic performance. High reactivity and selectivity, good functionality tolerance, and broad reaction scope were achieved by this concerted photocatalysis system. The results contribute to the development of highly efficient semiconductor photocatalysts and synergistic redox reaction systems based on PWST for high-value-added fine chemical production.

Automated summary

The study introduces a porous polymeric carbon nitride with a crystalline backbone for visible light-induced photocatalytic hydrogen generation and alcohol transformation. The material's large surface area, short transfer path, and crystalline structure enhance photocatalytic performance, achieving high reactivity and selectivity in redox reactions.