Functional Groups‐Regulated Organic Semiconductors for Efficient Artificial Photosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide

X Xiaohui Yu (Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics) Z Zhen Wei Y Yuanshen Qin (State Key Laboratory of Materials Low‐Carbon Recycling Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation Hydrogen Energy Research Institute (Daxing) College of Materials Science and Engineering Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China) X Xu Zhang D Derek Hao (Centre for Atomaterials and Nanomanufacturing (CAN) School of Science RMIT University Melbourne 3000 Australia) L Lin Jing Y Yuxi Liu (State Key Laboratory of Materials Low-Carbon Recycling, College of Materials Science and Engineering) H Hongxing Dai (State Key Laboratory of Materials Low-Carbon Recycling, College of Materials Science and Engineering) J Jiguang Deng (State Key Laboratory of Materials Low-Carbon Recycling, College of Materials Science and Engineering) Y Yongfa Zhu (Department of Chemistry)

Abstract

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is an environmentally friendly reagent, and organic semiconductors (OSCs) are ideal photocatalysts for the synthesis of H 2 O 2 due to their well‐defined molecular structure, strong donor‐acceptor interactions, and efficient charge separation. This review discusses the regulatory mechanisms of functional group modifications in tuning the photocatalytic performance of OSCs, highlighting the relationship between functional group structure and catalytic performance. For example, electron‐regulating groups, such as cyano and halogen, induce molecular dipoles, facilitating the migration of photogenerated electrons. Fluorine groups optimize the band structure and prolong carrier lifetime due to their high electronegativity. π‐Conjugated extension groups, like anthraquinone and thiophene, expand conjugation, improve visible light capture, and stabilize intermediates through redox cycles. Hydroxyl groups enhance surface hydrophilicity and promote H 2 O activation, while imine bond protonation adjusts charge distribution and improves selectivity and cycle stability. Multi‐active site functional groups, such as sulfonic acid and amide, accelerate reaction kinetics and inhibit H 2 O 2 decomposition. Functional groups enhance light absorption, charge separation, and surface reactions through electronic structure regulation, intermediate adsorption optimization, and proton‐electron transfer. Future work should integrate machine learning to identify optimal functional group combinations and develop green functionalization strategies for efficient H 2 O 2 photocatalyst synthesis.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 37, Issue 17
Published April 01, 2025
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (10)

X

Xiaohui Yu

Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics

Z

Zhen Wei

Y

Yuanshen Qin

State Key Laboratory of Materials Low‐Carbon Recycling Beijing Key Laboratory for Green Catalysis and Separation Hydrogen Energy Research Institute (Daxing) College of Materials Science and Engineering Beijing University of Technology Beijing 100124 China

X

Xu Zhang

D

Derek Hao

Centre for Atomaterials and Nanomanufacturing (CAN) School of Science RMIT University Melbourne 3000 Australia

L

Lin Jing

Y

Yuxi Liu

State Key Laboratory of Materials Low-Carbon Recycling, College of Materials Science and Engineering

H

Hongxing Dai

State Key Laboratory of Materials Low-Carbon Recycling, College of Materials Science and Engineering

J

Jiguang Deng

State Key Laboratory of Materials Low-Carbon Recycling, College of Materials Science and Engineering

Y

Yongfa Zhu

Department of Chemistry