Inter-chain double-site synergistic photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in robust cuprous coordination polymers

Abstract

Here, we evaluate photocatalytic H₂ generation of three stable Cu-based coordination polymers (CPs), where each two-coordinated Cu(I) is stabilized in interchain –[Cu–imidazole(R)–Cu]– units. Importantly, a record-high H₂ evolution rate of 57.64 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ is identified for Cu–MIM. Theoretical calculations reveal that the excellent catalytic performances are due to the delicate synergies of the inter-chain double-site Cu atoms.