Photoelectrocatalytic Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Molecular Copper-Porphyrin Supported on Titanium Dioxide Nanotubes.

ABSTRACT: We report on a self-assembled system comprising a molecular copper-porphyrin photoelectrocatalyst, 5-(4-carboxy-phenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrinatocopper(II) (CuTPP-COOH), covalently bound to self-organized, anodic titania nanotube arrays (TiO₂ NTs) for photoelectrochemical reduction of oxygen. Visible light irradiation of the porphyrin-covered TiO₂ NTs under cathodic polarization up to -0.3?V vs. Normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) photocatalytically produces H₂O₂ in pH neutral electrolyte, at room temperature and without need of sacrificial electron donors. The formation of H₂O₂ upon irradiation is proven and quantified by direct colorimetric detection using 4-nitrophenyl boronic acid (p-NPBA) as a reactant. This simple approach for the attachment of a small molecular catalyst to TiO₂ NTs may ultimately allow for the preparation of a low-cost H₂O₂ evolving cathode for efficient photoelectrochemical energy storage under ambient conditions.

SUBMITTER: Apaydin DH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5947148 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature