Films of linear conjugated polymer as photoanodes for oxidation reactions

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices hold huge potential to convert solar energy into chemical energy. However, the high cost of raw materials and film processing has hindered its practical use. In this study, we attempt to tackle this issue by fabricating straightforward semiconducting polymer films. These films function as photoanodes for various oxidation reactions, including water oxidation and oxidative organosynthesis. The structures of the polymer were assessed by incorporating electron-rich and electron-deficient co-monomers into dibenzo[b,d]thiophene sulfone materials. Furthermore, to gain comprehensive insight into the performance, we conducted both steady-state and in operando investigations, revealing that the active site on the polymer surface determines the rate of the conversion process. This study marks a significant stride towards leveraging economically viable semiconductors in PEC systems for efficient solar-to-chemical conversions. It addresses the challenges of high material costs and complex film processing, paving the way for the scaled-up application of this burgeoning technology.