Phenanthroline-based COFs for Solar-Driven Hydrogen Peroxide Production from Water and Air

Resumo

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is an essential chemical, but current production methods are energy-intensive and environmentally unsustainable based on anthraquinone oxidation process. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising metal-free photocatalysts due to their tunable structures and excellent stability. In this study, three novel COFs, PTA-TTT, PTA-TAB, and PTA-THB, were synthesized by coupling 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarbaldehyde (PTA) with different amine-based linkers. Their photocatalytic performance was evaluated under solar-simulated light using a custom-built glass reactor. All COFs exhibited H₂O₂ production activity, with PTA-TAB reaching 1921 µmol g_cat^-1 over 23 h and showing excellent stability over three cycles. PTA-THB showed a high initial rate but partial deactivation. The results demonstrate the potential of COFs as efficient, sustainable photocatalysts for H₂O₂ generation using only water, air, and visible light, offering a green alternative for industrial applications.