Nanoscale covalent organic frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production

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 () and Andrew I. Cooper ()
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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
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

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50839-3

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