A High Nucleus Cu-Incorporated Giant Phosphotungstate with Photocatalytic Oxidation C-H of Toluene

Exploring a novel photocatalyst for catalytic oxidation of toluene is a sustainable strategy for energy conversion in times of an energy crisis. However, designing an effective photocatalyst for the conversion of toluene remains challenging. Herein, a novel organic monophosphonate-modified high nucleus Cu-incorporated polyoxotungstate, K8H33[{Cu0.5(H2O)4}{Cu2(O3PCH2COO)(1,4,9-α-P2W15O56)}]4·Cl·60H2O (1), has been intentionally synthesized by a self-assembly process utilizing conventional aqueous method. It reveals that 1 contains a polyanion of [{Cu0.5(H2O)}4{Cu2(O3PCH2COO)(1,4,9-α-P2W15O56)}]440- composed of four Dawson-type {1,4,9-α-P2W15} subunits, forming an oval-shaped structure and further connecting into a three-dimensional (3D) framework by lateral {Cu(H2O)4}2+. Interestingly, the trivacant {1,4,9-α-P2W15} subunits were observed in the organophosphonate acid-functionalized polyoxometalates for the first time. Notably, 1 exhibits a wonderful performance in catalytic oxidation of the recalcitrant C(sp3)-H bond of toluene to benzoic acid with a conversion as high as 97% under visible light utilizing O2 as an oxidant.

Anion-exchange-mediated internal electric field for boosting photogenerated carrier separation and utilization

Heterojunctions modulated internal electric field (IEF) usually result in suboptimal efficiencies in carrier separation and utilization because of the narrow IEF distribution and long migration paths of photocarriers. In this work, we report distinctive bismuth oxyhydroxide compound nanorods (denoted as BOH NRs) featuring surface-exposed open channels and a simple chemical composition; by simply modifying the bulk anion layers to overcome the limitations of heterojunctions, the bulk IEF could be readily modulated. Benefiting from the unique crystal structure and the localization of valence electrons, the bulk IEF intensity increases with the atomic number of introduced halide anions. Therefore, A low exchange ratio (~10%) with halide anions (I^–, Br^–, Cl^–) gives rise to a prominent elevation in carrier separation efficiency and better photocatalytic performance for benzylamine coupling oxidation. Here, our work offers new insights into the design and optimization of semiconductor photocatalysts.

Research on the bulk internal electric field (IEF) regulation is significant for designing high-efficiency photocatalysts. Here, the authors report distinctive bismuth oxyhydroxide nanorods photocatalyst and increase the bulk IEF intensity by halogen ions exchange.

Research Progress on Catalytic Water Splitting Based on Polyoxometalate/Semiconductor Composites

In recent years, due to the impact of global warming, environmental pollution, and the energy crisis, international attention and demand for clean energy are increasing. Hydrogen energy is recognized as one of the clean energy sources. Water is considered as the largest potential supplier of hydrogen energy. However, artificial catalytic water splitting for hydrogen and oxygen evolution has not been widely used due to its high energy consumption and high cost during catalytic cracking. Therefore, the exploitation of photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, and photo-electrocatalysts for rapid, cost effective, and reliable water splitting is essentially needed. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are regarded as the potential candidates for water splitting catalysis. In addition to their excellent catalytic properties and reversibly redox activities, POMs can also modify semiconductors to overcome their shortcomings, and improve photoelectric conversion efficiency and photocatalytic activity, which has attracted more and more attention in the field of photoelectric water splitting catalysis. In this review, we summarize the latest applications of POMs and semiconductor composites in the field of photo-electrocatalysis (PEC) for hydrogen and oxygen evolution by catalytic water splitting in recent years and take the latest applications of POMs and semiconductor composites in photocatalysis for water splitting. In the conclusion section, the challenges and strategies of photocatalytic and PEC water-splitting by POMs and semiconductor composites are discussed.

Visible-light photocatalytic selective oxidation of C(sp3)–H bonds by anion–cation dual-metal-site nanoscale localized carbon nitride

Anion–cation dual-metal-site nanoscale localized carbon nitride exhibits a significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for the oxidation of alkanes and alcohols with a high activity and a wide functional group tolerance.

A Supported Bismuth Halide Perovskite Photocatalyst for Selective Aliphatic and Aromatic C-H Bond Activation

Direct selective oxidation of hydrocarbons to oxygenates by O2 is challenging. Catalysts are limited by the low activity and narrow application scope, and the main focus is on active C-H bonds at benzylic positions. In this work, stable, lead-free, Cs3 Bi2 Br9 halide perovskites are integrated within the pore channels of mesoporous SBA-15 silica and demonstrate their photocatalytic potentials for C-H bond activation. The composite photocatalysts can effectively oxidize hydrocarbons (C5 to C16 including aromatic and aliphatic alkanes) with a conversion rate up to 32900 μmol gcat -1  h-1 and excellent selectivity (>99 %) towards aldehydes and ketones under visible-light irradiation. Isotopic labeling, in situ spectroscopic studies, and DFT calculations reveal that well-dispersed small perovskite nanoparticles (2-5 nm) possess enhanced electron-hole separation and a close contact with hydrocarbons that facilitates C(sp3 )-H bond activation by photoinduced charges.

Selective aerobic oxidation of alkyl aromatics on Bi2MoO6 nanoplates decorated with Pt nanoparticles under visible light irradiation

Pt/Bi2MoO6 nanoplates are efficient photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of saturated C-H bonds in alkyl aromatics under visible light illumination using O2 as an oxidant. This study opens a new window for direct C-H functionalization through the photocatalytic method based on cheap Bi2MoO6 semiconductor materials.

Recent Advances in Radical C-H Activation/Radical Cross-Coupling

Research and industrial interest in radical C-H activation/radical cross-coupling chemistry has continuously grown over the past few decades. These reactions offer fascinating and unconventional approaches toward connecting molecular fragments with high atom- and step-economy that are often complementary to traditional methods. Success in this area of research was made possible through the development of photocatalysis and first-row transition metal catalysis along with the use of peroxides as radical initiators. This Review provides a brief and concise overview of the current status and latest methodologies using radicals or radical cations as key intermediates produced via radical C-H activation. This Review includes radical addition, radical cascade cyclization, radical/radical cross-coupling, coupling of radicals with M-R groups, and coupling of radical cations with nucleophiles (Nu).

Harnessing sunlight without a photosensitizer for highly efficient consecutive [3+2]/[4+2] annulation to synthesize fused benzobicyclic skeletons

A photosensitizer-free, highly efficient sunlight-promoted tandem [3+2]/[4+2] annulation of unsaturated α-bromocarbonyls with o-alkynylanilines was described, and allowed for convenient synthesis of fused benzobicyclic skeletons.

Metal nanoparticle photocatalysts: emerging processes for green organic synthesis

Metal nanoparticles (Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ir, Rh, Au–Pd alloyetc.) supported on inert support (ZrO₂, zeolite) can be direct photocatalysts to series of organic synthesis with visible light irradiation.

Photocatalysis from a series of polyoxoazocobaltate high-nuclearity nanoclusters

By changing the substituent groups of mercapto-based ligands, polyoxoazocobaltate high-nuclearity nanoclusters have been synthesized and structurally characterized, and they display photocatalytic activities for degradation of organic dyes.

A green and efficient photocatalytic route for the highly-selective oxidation of saturated alpha-carbon C–H bonds in aromatic alkanes over flower-like Bi2WO6

A green and efficient photocatalytic route has been developed for the highly-selective oxidation of aromatic alkanes over flower-like Bi₂WO₆ under solvent-free conditions.

Tertiary amine mediated aerobic oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides by visible-light photoredox catalysis on TiO2

The selective oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides receives much attention due to industrial and biological applications. However, the realization of this reaction with molecular oxygen at room temperature, which is of importance towards green and sustainable chemistry, remains challenging. Herein, we develop a strategy to achieve the aerobic oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides by exploring the synergy between a tertiary amine and titanium dioxide via visible-light photoredox catalysis. Specifically, titanium dioxide can interact with triethylamine (TEA) to form a visible-light harvesting surface complex, preluding the ensuing selective redox reaction. Moreover, TEA, whose stability was demonstrated by a turnover number of 32, plays a critical role as a redox mediator by shuttling electrons during the oxidation of sulfide. This work suggests that the addition of a redox mediator is highly functional in establishing visible-light-induced reactions via heterogeneous photoredox catalysis.

Surface-mediated selective photocatalytic aerobic oxidation reactions on TiO2 nanofibres

The interaction between photocatalyst surface and the reactants may outweigh its light absorption ability in photocatalytic activities.

Synergistic photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of sulfides and amines on TiO2 under visible-light irradiation

Visible-light-induced selective oxygenation of sulfides and oxidative formylation of amines in methanol with dioxygen were synergistically achieved on titanium dioxide.

Selective photocatalytic aerobic oxidation, which can be conducted under ambient conditions, is of great importance towards achieving sustainable chemistry. However, its practical applications are undermined by several challenges, such as low selectivity, sluggish reaction rates, and the requirement of UV light irradiation. Herein, we report a new concept of synergistic photocatalytic oxidation, for which two seemingly irrelevant reactions can be achieved in one photocatalytic system through the synergistic interplay of reactants and catalyst. As proof of concept, two challenging reactions, the aerobic oxidation of sulfide and the aerobic oxidative formylation of amine with methanol, were employed to demonstrate such synergistic photocatalytic aerobic oxidation under visible-light irradiation. This work could pave the way for highly selective photoredox catalysis via rational design based on mechanistic insight.

Selective aerobic oxidation mediated by TiO(2) photocatalysis

TiO2 is one of the most studied metal oxide photocatalysts and has unparal-leled efficiency and stability. This cheap, abundant, and non-toxic material has the potential to address future environmental and energy concerns. Understanding about the photoinduced interfacial redox events on TiO2 could have profound effect on the degradation of organic pollutants, splitting of H2O into H2 and O2, and selective redox organic transformations. Scientists traditionally accept that for a semiconductor photocatalyst such as TiO2 under the illumination of light with energy larger than its band gap, two photocarriers will be created to carry out their independent reduction and oxidation processes. However, our recent discoveries indicate that it is the concerted rather than independent effect of both photocarriers of valence band hole (hvb(+)) and conduction band electron (ecb(-)) that dictate the product formation during interfacial oxidation event mediated by TiO2 photocatalysis. In this Account, we describe our recent findings on the selective oxidation of organic substrates with O2 mediated by TiO2 photocatalysis. The transfer of O-atoms from O2 to the corresponding products dominates the selective oxidation of alcohols, amines, and alkanes mediated by TiO2 photocatalysis. We ascribe this to the concerted effect of both hvb(+) and ecb(-) of TiO2 in contribution to the oxidation products. These findings imply that O2 plays a unique role in its transfer into the products rather than independent role of ecb(-) scavenger. More importantly, ecb(-) plays a crucial role to ensure the high selectivity for the oxygenation of organic substrates. We can also use the half reactions such as those of the conduction band electron of TiO2 for efficient oxidation reactions with O2. To this end, efficient selective oxidation of organic substrates such as alcohols, amines, and aromatic alkanes with O2 mediated by TiO2 photocatalysis under visible light irradiation has been achieved. In summary, the concerted effect of hvb(+) and ecb(-) to implement one oxidation event could pave the way for selective oxofunctionalization of organic substrates with O2 by metal oxide photocatalysis. Furthermore, it could also deepen our understanding on the role of O2 and the elusive nature of oxygen species at the interface of TiO2, which, in turn, could shed new light on avant-garde photocatalytic selective redox processes in addressing the energy and environmental challenges of the future.

Visible-light-driven oxidation of primary C-H bonds over CdS with dual co-catalysts graphene and TiO2

Selective activation of primary C–H bonds for fine chemicals synthesis is of crucial importance for the sustainable exploitation of available feedstocks. Here, we report a viable strategy to synthesize ternary GR-CdS-TiO₂ composites with an intimate spatial integration and sheet-like structure, which is afforded by assembling two co-catalysts, graphene and TiO₂, into the semiconductor CdS matrix with specific morphology as a visible light harvester. The GR-CdS-TiO₂ composites are able to serve as a highly selective visible-light-driven photocatalyst for oxidation of saturated primary C–H bonds using benign oxygen as oxidant under ambient conditions. This work demonstrates a wide, promising scope of adopting co-catalyst strategy to design more efficient semiconductor-based photocatalyst toward selective activation of C–H bonds using solar light and molecular oxygen.