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Synthetic Photoelectrochemistry
Joshua P Barham1, Burkhard König1
1Universität Regensburg, Fakultät für Chemie und Pharmazie, 93040, Regensburg, Germany.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|December 6, 2019
Summary
Synthetic organic photoelectrochemistry merges photoredox catalysis and electrochemistry. This review explores electrochemically mediated, decoupled, and interfacial photoelectrochemistry, highlighting benefits for green chemistry and energy accumulation.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Photoredox catalysis (PRC) and synthetic organic electrochemistry (SOE) are distinct fields in organic synthesis.
- The synergistic combination of PRC and SOE, known as synthetic organic photoelectrochemistry, has been underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state-of-the-art in synthetic organic photoelectrochemistry.
- To categorize existing methodologies and discuss future opportunities and challenges.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of synthetic organic photoelectrochemistry into three main types: electrochemically mediated photoredox catalysis (e-PRC), decoupled photoelectrochemistry (dPEC), and interfacial photoelectrochemistry (iPEC).
- Review of literature examples for each category.
Main Results:
- The fusion of PRC and SOE offers advantages in synthetic "greenness" and chemical selectivity.
- Synergistic approaches enable energy accumulation for generating potent single electron transfer (SET) agents (super-oxidizing or -reducing).
Conclusions:
- Synthetic organic photoelectrochemistry is an emerging field with significant potential.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and fully exploit the benefits of this combined approach.
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