Photocatalytic H2O2 Production by Thiophene-Coupled Benzotriazole and Anthraquinone-Based D-A-Type Polymer Nanoparticles

In this article, the photocatalytic generation of an important solar fuel-H2O2-by a thiophene-coupled anthraquinone (AQ) and benzotriazole-based donor (D)-acceptor (A) polymer (PAQBTz) nanoparticles is systematically reported. The visible-light active and redox-active D-A type polymer is synthesized employing the Stille coupling polycondensation, and the nanoparticles are obtained by dispersing the PAQBTz polymer and polyvinylpyrrolidone solution, prepared in tetrahydrofuran to water. The polymer nanoparticles (PNPs) produce 1.61 and 1.36 mM mg(-1) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the acidic and neutral media, respectively, under AM1.5G simulated sunlight irradiation (lambda > 420 nm) with approximate to 2% modified Solar to Chemical Conversion (SCC) efficiency after 1 h of visible light illumination in acidic condition. The results of the various experiments lay bare the different aspects governing H2O2 production and indicate the H2O2 synthesis through the superoxide anion-mediated and anthraquinone-mediated routes.

Automated summary

The photovoltaic generation of H2O2, an important solar fuel, using a thiophene-coupled anthraquinone and benzotriazole-based donor-acceptor polymer nanoparticles, is systematically studied in this article. The polymer nanoparticles produced hydrogen peroxide in both acidic and neutral media under simulated sunlight irradiation, with a solar to chemical conversion efficiency of approximately 2%. Various experiments revealed the different routes of H2O2 synthesis, involving superoxide anion mediation and anthraquinone mediation.