Preparation of an OHCP nanofiber photocatalyst for cross-dehydrogenation coupling reactions

Abstract

Phloxine B (PHB) exhibited high catalytic efficiency in cross-dehydrogenation coupling (CDC) reactions. However, conventional homogeneous catalytic systems involving organic dyes faced challenges regarding catalyst separation and recovery. In this study, we successfully synthesized a nanofiber-based photocatalyst comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) and phloxine B (PHB). The OHCP nanofiber photocatalyst demonstrated exceptional catalytic performance in CDC reactions upon visible light irradiation. The conversion ratio of N-phenyl-tetrahydroisoquinoline (N-phenyl-THIQ) reached 94% following continuous irradiation with visible light (1 W) for 3 hours. Concurrently, the conversion ratios of N-phenyl-THIQ derivatives ranged from 70% to 96%. Additionally, reusability test indicated that the OHCP nanofiber photocatalyst maintained relative stability after six cycles of the catalytic CDC reaction. The fluorescence intensity of the nanofibers diminished by merely 50% following 12 hours of the catalytic CDC reaction. This suggested that the photocatalyst possessed potential for long-term reuse with minimal reduction in catalytic performance.