Open AccessSelf-assembling hydrogel scaffolds for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Author(s) -
Adam Weingarten,
Roman V. Kazantsev,
Liam C. Palmer,
Mark McClendon,
Andrew R. Koltonow,
Amanda P. S. Samuel,
Derek J. Kiebala,
Michael R. Wasielewski,
Samuel I. Stupp
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
nature chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 9.996
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1755-4349
pISSN - 1755-4330
DOI - 10.1038/nchem.2075
Subject(s) - perylene , chemistry , chromophore , amphiphile , catalysis , supramolecular chemistry , hydrogen production , electrolyte , self assembly , molecule , supramolecular assembly , water splitting , photocatalysis , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , photochemistry , materials science , electrode , organic chemistry , polymer , copolymer , engineering
Integration into a soft material of all the molecular components necessary to generate storable fuels is an interesting target in supramolecular chemistry. The concept is inspired by the internal structure of photosynthetic organelles, such as plant chloroplasts, which colocalize molecules involved in light absorption, charge transport and catalysis to create chemical bonds using light energy. We report here on the light-driven production of hydrogen inside a hydrogel scaffold built by the supramolecular self-assembly of a perylene monoimide amphiphile. The charged ribbons formed can electrostatically attract a nickel-based catalyst, and electrolyte screening promotes gelation. We found the emergent phenomenon that screening by the catalyst or the electrolytes led to two-dimensional crystallization of the chromophore assemblies and enhanced the electronic coupling among the molecules. Photocatalytic production of hydrogen is observed in the three-dimensional environment of the hydrogel scaffold and the material is easily placed on surfaces or in the pores of solid supports.