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Nanoscale covalent organic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

Author

Listed:
  • Wei Zhao

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Liang Luo

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Muyu Cong

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Xueyan Liu

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Zhiyun Zhang

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Mounib Bahri

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Boyu Li

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Jing Yang

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Miaojie Yu

    (University of Liverpool
    East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Lunjie Liu

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Yu Xia

    (Southern University of Science and Technology)

  • Nigel D. Browning

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Wei-Hong Zhu

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Weiwei Zhang

    (East China University of Science and Technology)

  • Andrew I. Cooper

    (University of Liverpool)

Abstract

Nanosizing confers unique functions in materials such as graphene and quantum dots. Here, we present two nanoscale-covalent organic frameworks (nano-COFs) that exhibit exceptionally high activity for photocatalytic hydrogen production that results from their size and morphology. Compared to bulk analogues, the downsizing of COFs crystals using surfactants provides greatly improved water dispersibility and light-harvesting properties. One of these nano-COFs shows a hydrogen evolution rate of 392.0 mmol g−1 h−1 (33.3 μmol h−1), which is one of the highest mass-normalized rates reported for a COF or any other organic photocatalysts. A reverse concentration-dependent photocatalytic phenomenon is observed, whereby a higher photocatalytic activity is found at a lower catalyst concentration. These materials also show a molecule-like excitonic nature, as studied by photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy, which is again a function of their nanoscale dimensions. This charts a new path to highly efficient organic photocatalysts for solar fuel production.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Zhao & Liang Luo & Muyu Cong & Xueyan Liu & Zhiyun Zhang & Mounib Bahri & Boyu Li & Jing Yang & Miaojie Yu & Lunjie Liu & Yu Xia & Nigel D. Browning & Wei-Hong Zhu & Weiwei Zhang & Andrew I. Coope, 2024. "Nanoscale covalent organic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-50839-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50839-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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