Photoelectrochemical cells based on hydrogen-atom abstraction and electron-transfer reactions in solution: systems based on benzophenone, 2-propanol, trialkylamines, and methyl viologen

Journal Article · Wed Dec 02 00:00:00 EST 1981 · J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ja00414a038· OSTI ID:5637859

Chandrasekaran, K; Whitten, D G

This paper reports the linking of well-studied solution photoprocesses such as hydrogen-atom abstraction by triplet benzophenone from 2-propanol and electron transfer from triethylamine to triplet benzophenone to proton reduction in aqueous acid via a two-compartment photoelectrochemical cell. In each case the intermediate reduction of N,N'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium (methyl viologen, MV/sup 2 +/) provides a means for circumventing undesirable radical reactions and generating a stable carrier in high overall efficiency. The net result is reasonably efficient generation of a photocurrent concurrent with the occurrence of an endothermic reaction providing products that can in principle be recycled. An interesting aspect of this work is the finding that the overall efficiency of these cells is enhanced by the photochemical self-sensitization of MV/sup +/ in the presence of 2-propanol or triethylamine and MV/sup 2 +/.

• Research Organization: Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• DOE Contract Number: AS05-81ER10815
• OSTI ID: 5637859
• Journal Information: J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States), Vol. 103:24
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
AMINES
BENZOPHENONE
BIPYRIDINES
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRON TRANSFER
PHOTOCURRENTS
PHOTOSENSITIVITY
PROPANOLS
ALCOHOLS
AZINES
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
EQUIPMENT
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
KETONES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
PYRIDINES
SENSITIVITY
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
400500* - Photochemistry