Hirosaki Univ. Technology：New catalyst for inducing same oxidation reaction under illumination even in the dark：K23-026

Can oxidize hydrogen peroxide in the dark

Photocatalysts are materials that induce redox reactions under illumination. In particular, it is effective for downhill reactions (oxidative degradation of hazardous and pollutants) and titanium oxide (TiO2) which is UV light responsive, is already in practical use. However, TiO2 photocatalytic technology is limited to small amounts and low concentrations of substances based on the solar light spectrum, and there is a problem that oxidation degradation treatment similar to that under illumination is never induced in the dark conditions. 　In his research for application as a photoelectrode and photocatalyst for organic p-n junctions, the inventor found that organic p-n junctions can catalyze (= dual catalysis) the oxidation of thiols even in the dark conditions [1]. In addition, as a result of the intensive research, it was found that the p-type semiconductor (FePc) in the organic p-n junction was oxidized and decomposed in the presence of hydrogen peroxide to produce a cocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide in situ, and as a result, dual catalysis by the organic n-type semiconductor occurred. 　Dual catalysis is a new type of catalysis that TiO2 does not have. The selection of organic p-n junctions and co-catalysts is expected to expand the application range and market size of catalysts for environmental purification applications.

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