Photocatalytic H2 Evolution by Pt-Loaded 9,9′-Spirobifluorene-Based Conjugated Microporous Polymers under Visible-Light Irradiation

Abstract

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) have recently been investigated as an alternative approach to light-to-chemical energy conversion. In a previous paper, we reported an easy, safe, and low-cost synthesis of a 9,9′-spirobifluorene-based conjugated microporous organic polymer (COP-3), which had a large surface area and large micropore volume. Herein, we report photocatalytic H2 evolution from water using Pt-loaded COP-3 (Pt/COP-3). H2 was successfully evolved under irradiation with visible light (>380 nm) on COP-3 dispersed in distilled water containing triethanolamine (TEOA, sacrificial agent) and a Pt source (H2PtCl6). The HOMO and LUMO energy levels for COP-3 were positive and negative enough to oxidize TEOA and reduce PtCl62- and H+, respectively. The stability of Pt/COP-3 further underlines the merit of COP-3 as a heterogeneous photosensitizer.