Integrating bimetallic AuPd nanocatalysts with a 2D aza-fused π-conjugated microporous polymer for light-driven benzyl alcohol oxidation

Efficient catalytic system with low energy consumption exhibits increasing importance due to the upcoming energy crisis. Given this situation, it should be an admirable strategy for reducing energy input by effectively utilizing incident solar energy as a heat source during catalytic reactions. Herein, aza-fused pi-conjugated microporous polymer (aza-CMP) with broad light absorption and high photothermal conversion efficiency was synthesized and utilized as a support for bimetallic AuPd nanocatalysts in light-driven benzyl alcohol oxidation. The AuPd nanoparticles anchored on aza-CMP (aza-CMP/AuxPdy) exhibited excellent catalytic performance for benzyl alcohol oxidation under 50 mW/cm(2) light irradiation. The improved catalytic performance by the aza-CMP/AuxPdy is attributed to the unique photothermal effect induced by aza-CMP, which can promote the catalytic benzyl alcohol oxidation occurring at AuPd. This work presents a novel approach to effectively utilize solar energy for conventional catalytic reactions through photothermal effect. (C) 2019 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.