A dye-sensitized FeOOH–CNT photocatalyst with three electron transfer channels regulated by hydrogen bonding

A dye-sensitized photocatalyst with three electron transfer channels was constructed, in which FeOOH and photosensitizer RuL2Cl2·2H2O were employed as the electron donor, carbon nanotubes were served as the electron container. The catalytic activities of the photocatalyst were evaluated by a model photocatalytic carboxylation reaction of phenol by CO2. The photocatalytic efficiency and transient photocurrent density increased obviously when the catalysis reaction was carried out in cyclohexane compared to two electron activations in water, which suggested the formation of three electron transfer channels in the catalytic system. Moreover, time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculation results also indicated the existence of three electron transfer channels assisted by intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction.

A RuL2Cl2–FeOOH–CNT catalyst with three electron transfer channels in cyclohexane performs better photocatalytic efficiency than those with one or two channels. Theoretical calculation results further explained the formation of three electron transfer channels driven by intermolecular hydrogen bonding.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A RuL2Cl2–FeOOH–CNT composite was constructed by esterification method.
► The composite was used as a visible light photocatalyst for 2-hydroxybenzoic acid.
► The photocatalyst possessed 3 electron transfer channels in nonpolar solvents.
► The activity of photocatalyst was much better than that of reported photocatalysts.