Photocatalytic reductive C–O bond scission promoted by low-work-function Cd single atoms and clusters

Abstract

C–O bond scission via photocatalysis is an important step in biomass depolymerization. Here, we demonstrate the scission of strong ether C–O bonds promoted by low-work-function Cd single atoms and clusters. Their loading on ZnS benefits C–H bond scission, thus weakening the C–O bond for chemical bond breaking.