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Title: Photocatalytic Aqueous CO2 Reduction to CO and CH4 Sensitized by Ullazine Supramolecular Polymers

Journal Article · · Journal of the American Chemical Society

There has been rapid progress on the chemistry of supramolecular scaffolds that harness sunlight for aqueous photocatalytic production of hydrogen. However, great efforts are still needed to develop similar photosynthetic systems for the great challenge of CO2 reduction especially if they avoid the use of nonabundant metals. This work investigates the synthesis of supramolecular polymers capable of sensitizing catalysts that require more negative potentials than proton reduction. The monomers are chromophore amphiphiles based on a diareno-fused ullazine core that undergo supramolecular polymerization in water to create entangled nanoscale fibers. Under 450 nm visible light these fibers sensitize a dinuclear cobalt catalyst for CO2 photoreduction to generate carbon monoxide and methane using a sacrificial electron donor. The supramolecular photocatalytic system can generate amounts of CH4 comparable to those obtained with a precious metal-based [Ru(phen)3](PF6)2 sensitizer and, in contrast to Ru-based catalysts, retains photocatalytic activity in all aqueous media over 6 days. Furthermore, the present study demonstrates the potential of tailored supramolecular polymers as renewable energy and sustainability materials.

Research Organization:
Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States). Center for Bio-Inspired Energy Science
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357; SC0000989
OSTI ID:
1846590
Journal Information:
Journal of the American Chemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the American Chemical Society Journal Issue: 7 Vol. 144; ISSN 0002-7863
Publisher:
American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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