Cobalt Derivative Loaded Covalent Organic Frameworks for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Peroxide Generation Under Infrared Light

Photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) has the advantages of safety, non-polluting operation and energy savings. Molecular-designed covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an ideal material for achieving efficient photosynthesis of H₂O₂. However, the current COFs photocatalyst systems have various issues. Most of them harness only ultraviolet light and a small portion of visible light, unable to utilize 52% of the infrared (IR) light in the solar spectrum. Additionally, there are drawbacks such as the need for sacrificial agents and insufficient activity for large-scale production of H₂O₂. In this study, H₂O₂ production of 7.6 μmol h⁻¹ was achieved using IR light irradiation without a sacrificial agent, and this photocatalyst ensured 6-times H₂O₂ production over Pristine COFs. The apparent quantum yield (AQY) under 900 nm light was 3.2%, which is 1.2-times higher than that when using Pristine COFs. This research outcome will contribute to the development of efficient and stable organic polymer photocatalysts for IR-driven H₂O₂ photocatalysis.