Constructing a P₂W₁₈O₆₂^6--Containing Hybrid Photocatalyst via Noncovalent Interactions for Enhanced H₂ Production

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have gained significant research attention because of their excellent properties in photocatalytic (PC) hydrogen production. Exploring POM-based compounds for heterogeneous photocatalysis is an ongoing task. Here, we obtain a water-insoluble inorganic-organic hybrid compound, (P₂W₁₈O₆₂)₃(C₁₂N₃H₁₀)₆(C₁₂N₃H₁₁)₆·9.5H₂O (P-PW), formed by Dawson-type POM P₂W₁₈O₆₂^6- (P₂W₁₈) anions and protonated 2-(pyridin-4-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (PHB) cations via noncovalent interactions. In the presence of the sacrificial agent triethanolamine, P-PW exhibits a PC H₂ generation rate of 0.418 mmol/g/h, surpassing that of P₂W₁₈ and PHB by 15 and 17 times, respectively. This enhancement in PC performance of P-PW can be attributed to its band structure change from the precursor compounds, leading to increased light absorption and therefore more efficient PC hydrogen production.