HClO‐Mediated Photoelectrochemical Epoxidation of Alkenes with Near 100 % Conversion Rate and Selectivity by Regulating Lattice Chlorine Cycle
Yan Yang, Xiaojia Yuan, Qian Wang, Shipeng Wan, Cheng Lin, Siyu Lu, Qin Zhong, Kan Zhang
Abstract
Abstract Directional organic transformation via a green, sustainable catalytic reaction has attracted a lot of attention. Herein, we report a photoelectrochemical approach for highly selective epoxidation of alkenes in a salt solution using Co 2 (OH) 3 Cl (CoOCl) as a bridge of photo‐generated charge, where the lattice Cl − of CoOCl can be oxidized to generate HClO by the photo‐generated holes of BiVO 4 photoanode and be spontaneously recovered by Cl − of a salt solution, which then oxidizes the alkenes into the corresponding epoxides. As a result, a series of water‐soluble alkenes, including 4‐vinylbenzenesulfonic acid sodium, 2‐methyl‐2‐propene‐1‐sulfonic acid sodium, and 3‐methyl‐3‐buten‐1‐ol can be epoxidized with near 100 % conversion rate and selectivity. Through further inserting a MoO x protection layer between BiVO 4 and CoOCl, the stability of CoOCl−MoO x /BiVO 4 can be maintained for at least 120 hours. This work opens an avenue for solar‐driven organic epoxidation with a possibility of on‐site reaction around the abundant ocean.