A solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency up to 0.26% achieved in ambient conditions
Yu‐Xin Ye, Jinhui Pan, Yong Shen, Minhui Shen, Huijie Yan, Jian He, Xin Yang, Fang Zhu, Jianqiao Xu, Jianguo He, Gangfeng Ouyang
Abstract
Significance Artificial photosynthesis is a straightforward and environmentally friendly way to convert solar energy into chemical energies. The frequently studied solar-to-chemical conversion (SCC) systems are photocatalytic water splitting and nitrogen fixation. However, special facilities and equipment are always required to ensure efficiency and safety in these two SCC systems. Artificial photosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide is emerging as a promising alternative SCC protocol. Here, we successfully mimic the NADP-mediated photosynthetic processes in green plants by introducing redox moieties as the electron acceptors in the present conjugated polymeric photocatalyst. An unprecedented SCC efficiency is achieved under ambient conditions, which is more than two times higher than the average solar-to-biomass conversion efficiency in nature (0.1%).