Organic Donor–Acceptor–Donor Trimers Nanoparticles Stabilized by Amphiphilic Block Copolymers for Photocatalytic Generation of H2

Abstract

Photocatalytic generation of H2 via water splitting emerges as a promising avenue for the next generation of green hydrogen due to its low carbon footprint. Herein, a versatile platform is designed to the preparation of functional π-conjugated organic nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous phase via mini-emulsification. Such particles are composed of donor–acceptor–donor (DAD) trimers prepared via Stille coupling, stabilized by amphiphilic block copolymers synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The hydrophilic segment of the block copolymers will not only provide colloidal stability, but also allow for precise control over the surface functionalization. Photocatalytic tests of the resulting particles for H2 production resulted in promising photocatalytic activity (≈0.6 mmol g−1 h−1). This activity is much enhanced compared to that of DAD trimers dispersed in the water phase without stabilization by the block copolymers.