Dye-sensitized photo-hydrogenation of aromatic ketones on titanium dioxide under visible light irradiation

• Dye-sensitized photo-hydrogenation of aromatic ketones on P25 TiO2 was studied.
• Two dyes employed were non-expensive and eco-friendly metal-free organics.
• The two organic dyes extended the UV response of TiO2 toward visible light region.
• The quantitative yield of 1-phenylethanol from acetophenone was attained.
• Fluorescein was a better photosensitizer for coexisting with TiO2.

Aromatic ketones were photocatalytically hydrogenated on P25 TiO2 powder modified with metal free organic dyes under visible light irradiation. The suitable combination of dye-TiO2 and triethylamine as a sacrificial electron donor successfully extended the photocatalytic UV response of TiO2 toward visible light region in the photo-hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives.

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