Efficient energy-level modification of novel pyran-annulated perylene diimides for photocatalytic water splitting

Abstract

We design and synthesize four pyran-embedded perylene diimide (PDI) compounds through a straightforward methodology. UV-driven photocatalytic water splitting using the compounds as photocatalysts demonstrates that the highest photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate under UV light is 0.90 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹, which paves the way towards organic photoresponsive materials.