Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Evaluations of ZnCoS/ZnCdS with Twin Crystal Structure for Multifunctional Redox Photocatalysis in Energy Applications
Published on: July 25, 2025
Photoredox Cascade Catalysis for Hydrogen Production With Wacker Oxidation of Olefin Gases
Atsushi Kobayashi1, Yuan Huang2, Shin-Ichiro Noro2
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
Abstract:
Solar-light-driven photocatalytic coproduction of hydrogen (H2) and valuable organic compounds is a promising technique for realizing sustainable carbon neutral society. In this work, we fabricate a new dual-product photocatalytic system for the coproduction of H2 and acetaldehyde/acetone by combining a dual Ru (II) dye-sensitized Pt-cocatalyst-loaded TiO2 nanoparticles photocatalyst with a Pd(II)-acetate/9-azanoradamantane N-oxyl (nor-AZADO•) double-mediatory Wacker oxidation catalytic system. This photoredox cascade catalytic system successfully converts gaseous ethylene/propylene substrates into H2 and acetaldehyde/acetone under blue-light irradiation owing to the electron mediation of nor-AZADO• between the two (photo)catalytic cycles. The maximum turnover number per one photosensitizer and apparent quantum yield for the initial 1 h of irradiation in the presence of 5.0 vol% ethylene gas are estimated to be 1533 and 1.23%, respectively. These findings open a new avenue for simultaneously supplying clean energy resources, H2 and organic valuables via oxidative organic transformations.
Related Concept Videos
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the...
Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.
Oxidation of Alkenes: Anti Dihydroxylation with Peroxy Acids
Catalysis
Reduction of Benzene to Cyclohexane: Catalytic Hydrogenation

![[DPEPhosbcpCu]PF6: A General and Broadly Applicable Copper-Based Photoredox Catalyst](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F59739.jpg&w=3840&q=50)