NSF-DFG Echem: Photocatalytic Organic Synthesis By High-Efficiency Planar Semiconductors

耶鲁大学和伊尔梅瑙理工大学的这个联合项目探索了使用高效的半导体光催化剂来实现有机合成。对二甲苯氧化的模型反应将在模型光催化剂表面进行探索，该催化剂是二氧化钛涂层保护的平面铝镓铟磷化半导体。它应该为将光氧化还原催化转化到半导体材料表面奠定基础。实验工作主要集中在将它们的能量学和电荷转移动力学与分子表面化学联系起来。这些努力得到理论计算的支持，以阐明产物选择性和表面反应途径。最后，将实施光反应器来评估光催化化学生产的机会。将在这两个机构现有项目的基础上开展一项国际推广工作。教育和研究的协同作用应激发对分布式化工生产的认识，并丰富跨学科的培训计划。

This joint project between Yale University and the Ilmenau University of Technology explores the use of efficient semiconductive photocatalysts to achieve organic synthesis. Model reaction of para-xylene oxidation will be explored on the surfaces of model photocatalysts, which is TiO2-coating protected planar aluminum gallium indium phosphide semiconductors. It should lay the groundwork for translating photoredox catalysis onto the surfaces of semiconductive materials. The experimental efforts are mainly focused on relating their energetics and charge-transfer kinetics to molecular surface chemistry. These efforts are supported by theory calculations to elucidate product selectivity and surface reaction pathways. Finally, a photo-reactor will be implemented to evaluate the opportunities for photocatalytic chemical production. An international outreach effort will be initiated based on the current programs at both institutions. The synergy of education and research should stimulate the awareness of distributed chemical production and enrich interdisciplinary training plans.