Photocatalytic materials for sustainable chemistry via cooperative photoredox catalysis

Abstract

Utilizing photocatalytic technology to reduce water or carbon dioxide to solar fuels and to selectively or non-selectively oxidize organics to their respective target products, is a promising and sustainable way to increase the supply of energy and chemical feedstocks, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and solve environmental pollution. However, photoredox reaction proceeding efficiently and stably is often a challenge in the absence of scavengers. A recent development surge is integrating solar fuels production and organic oxidation into a light-driven photoredox system, so as to realize the simultaneous utilization of electrons and holes, which is desirable from the consideration of economic benefits of photocatalytic technology application. In this review, we briefly recap the recent advances concerning dual-function cooperative photoredox catalytic systems integrating solar fuels production with organic oxidation. Firstly, the dual-functional reaction systems combining hydrogen production and organic oxidation are discussed, which includes hydrogen evolution coupled with non-selective organic oxidation to degrade pollutants, and hydrogen evolution integrated with selective organic conversion to produce value-added chemicals. After that, we discuss the emerging system combining carbon dioxide reduction and organic conversion. Finally, we cast a personal prospect on the opportunities and challenges for the future development of this booming and cooperative dual-function photoredox catalysis field.