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Organic π‐Conjugated Polymers as Photocathode Materials for Visible‐Light‐Enhanced Hydrogen and Hydrogen Peroxide Production from Water
Author(s) -
Oka Kouki,
WintherJensen Bjorn,
Nishide Hiroyuki
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.202003724
Subject(s) - materials science , conjugated system , photocathode , polymer , hydrogen peroxide , water splitting , electrolyte , hydrogen , hydrogen production , electrolysis of water , catalysis , aqueous solution , photochemistry , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , organic chemistry , chemistry , photocatalysis , electrolysis , electrode , engineering , composite material , electron , physics , quantum mechanics
The photo(electro)chemical reduction of water and oxygen to produce hydrogen (water‐splitting) and hydrogen peroxide, respectively, are well developed with inorganic semiconductors. In contrast, organic π‐conjugated polymers, especially precisely synthesized ones, have been extensively studied as photoharvesting and charge‐separating materials in dry photoelectron‐conversion devices, such as organic photovoltaic cells. However, the use of conjugated polymers as photocathodes; i.e., photoelectrocalatalytic reduction‐active materials in direct contact with aqueous electrolytes, has been less explored. This review describes the fundamentals of the electrochemistry of water and oxygen reduction, as well as organic semiconductor functions for photocathode activity in water, along with figures of merit for organic photocathodes used to practically produce hydrogen and hydrogen peroxide. Recent research on conjugated polymers in this field is then surveyed after briefly referring to early trial‐and‐error investigations using conventional conjugated polymers. Basic and very simple designs of robust polythiophene films are demonstrated as examples of successful materials which act as both visible‐light harvesters and catalysts for hydrogen evolution and the production of hydrogen peroxide, and as counterparts in combination with conventional oxygen‐evolution catalysts. Perspectives for this emerging field are also briefly provided.