Substitution of a single atom in a photoactive system is capable of vastly altering its optoelectronic properties leading to the generation of an efficient photocatalyst. In this study, we explore the impact of two-fold single-atom substitutions on the optoelectronic properties and photocatalytic performance of donor-acceptor type conjugated microporous polymers (D-A CMPs). For this, three isostructural triphenylamine (TPA)-based D-A CMPs were synthesized namely PTPA-BT, PTPA-BS, and PTPA-PS containing 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, 2,1,3-benzoselenadiazole and [1,2,5]selenadiazolo[3,4-]pyridine as the acceptor moieties, respectively.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecovery of homogeneous photocatalysts from reaction mixture is challenging, affecting the cost-effectiveness, and masks their advantages, including 4-8 fold higher catalytic activity than corresponding heterogeneous counterparts. Incorporation of long alkyl chains within the rigid π-conjugated backbone of conjugated polymers can augment their solubility in particular organic solvents; accordingly, they can function as homogeneous photocatalysts. Consequently, these polymers facilitate the recovery of catalysts through the reverse dissolution process, thus creating a well-suited platform to meet certain advantages of both homo- and heterogeneous photocatalysts.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPorous polymeric nanoreactors capable of multitasking are attractive and require a judicious design strategy. Herein, we describe an unusual approach for the synthesis of a porous polymer SBF-BINOL-6 by formation of the BINOL entity taking substituted naphthols and spirobifluorene as co-monomers with high yield (81%). The as-synthesized polymer exhibited nanotube and nanosphere-like morphology, thermal endurance up to 372 °C and a BET surface area as high as 590 m g.
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