Selective photoelectrochemical synthesis of adipic acid using single-atom Ir decorated α-Fe2O3 photoanode

Shenghe Si, Yuyin Mao, Ying-Ao Liu, Jun Ma, Weiyi Jiang, En-Dian Zhao, Kepeng Song, Hefeng Cheng (), Baibiao Huang, Dong Liu () and Yujie Xiong ()
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Shenghe Si: University of Science and Technology of China
Yuyin Mao: Shandong University
Ying-Ao Liu: University of Science and Technology of China
Jun Ma: University of Science and Technology of China
Weiyi Jiang: Yangzhou University
En-Dian Zhao: University of Science and Technology of China
Kepeng Song: Shandong University
Hefeng Cheng: Shandong University
Baibiao Huang: Shandong University
Dong Liu: University of Science and Technology of China
Yujie Xiong: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Photoelectrochemical (PEC) synthesis offers a sustainable route for fine chemicals production, yet comprehending and modulating the reaction processes at the atomic level remains a challenge. Herein, we develop a single-atom Ir decorated Ti-doped α-Fe2O3 photoanode for selective PEC synthesis of adipic acid from cyclohexanone using water as the oxygen source. The PEC system achieves 6.0 μmol cm–2 h–1 adipic acid production with ~60% Faradaic efficiency and ~88% selectivity. The single-atom Ir promotes the photogenerated carrier separation and transfer, while regulating the electronic structure of Ti-doped α-Fe2O3 photoanode to optimize its adsorption strength of OH– and cyclohexanone. Mechanistic studies reveal a non-free-radical reaction pathway at the atomic level, driven by photogenerated holes through an adsorbed hydroxyl transfer. Notably, integrating the photoanode and an amorphous silicon-based photocathode leads to a bias-free PEC device that enables stable adipic acid production for over 80 hours, underscoring the potential for sustainable light-driven synthesis.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60506-w

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