pH dependent photocatalytic hydrogen evolution by self-assembled perylene bisimides

Abstract

There is growing interest in the design of supramolecular structures that are photocatalytically active. Perylene bisimides can be self-assembled to produce structures for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Herein we explore the role of pH in controlling self-assembly and photocatalysis. It is shown that self-assembly, which occurs as the pH of the system is decreased, is required for hydrogen evolution to occur.