Multifunctional COE Surfactants as Interfacial Conductors in Organic Photocatalysis
발표자
오승원 (고려대학교)
연구책임자
우한영 (고려대학교)
초록
내용
Growing need for renewable energy highlights solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution as a promising alternative. Organic nanoparticles, with tunable absorption and energy levels, allow broader solar spectrum use than inorganics. However, inefficient charge separation, limited transport, and poor aqueous stability remain. Conventional surfactants like SDS and TEBS stabilize nanoparticles but form insulating layer that hinder charge transfer and promote recombination. Here, we introduce conductive surfactants based on conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) with cationic side chains and iodide counterions. COEs stabilize nanoparticles in water, provide charge pathways, and enhance cocatalyst adhesion. Even at low loadings, they yield small, stable particles. Ionic groups interact with Pt cocatalysts, enabling reduction and in situ deposition without external reductants. As surfactants and interfacial conductors, COEs offer a promising way to enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.