Modulating charge migration in photoredox organic transformation via exquisite interface engineering

Abstract

Modulating photo-induced charge separation/transfer constitutes a central challenge in heterogeneous photocatalysis. Despite advancements in this area, finely tuning directional electron migration without involving conventional co-catalysts [e.g., metal nanocrystals and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs)] for boosted photoredox catalysis has not yet been explored. Herein, we report the exquisite design of a novel and general macromolecule-modulated photoredox selective organic transformation system, wherein an ultrathin macromolecular poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) layer was integrated at the interface of wide-band-gap (WBG) and narrow-band-gap (NBG) semiconductors to construct heterostructured photocatalysts. The ultra-thin PDDA interim layer expedites interfacial unidirectional electron transfer from the NBG to WBG semiconductor, resulting in a cascade electron transfer channel. The favorable energy level alignment among the building blocks, intimate interfacial integration and multilayered nanoarchitecture endow the WBG@PDDA@NBG heterostructures with substantially enhanced and versatile photoredox performance toward the selective oxidation of aromatic alcohols to aldehydes and the anaerobic reduction of nitroaromatics to amino compounds under visible light irradiation. This can be ascribed to the crucial role of the ultrathin intermediate PDDA layer as a highly efficient metal and TMD-free charge transfer mediator, relaying the electrons from the NBG to WBG semiconductor and slowing charge recombination. Our work could open up new frontiers to exploit diverse metal and TMD-free photocatalytic systems and provide a first insight into the fine tuning of charge transport utilizing non-conductive ionic polymers for solar energy conversion.