Fragments of polymers with a Z-scheme-like electron transfer mechanism driven by multiple built-in electric fields for photocatalytic H2O2 production

Abstract

In photocatalytic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production systems, although the built-in electric fields (BIEFs) can effectively promote charge separation, systematic studies on the charge migration mechanisms between different molecular segments induced by BIEFs in fragments of polymers remain lacking. To fill this gap, our study systematically elucidated the relevant charge transfer mechanisms in fragments of polymers driven by BIEFs through comprehensive analysis of two novel linear conjugated polymer materials (NDA-OP and NDF-OP). Based on macroscopic electrochemical data and microscopic molecular-scale segment analysis, it was revealed that the carbonyl groups and naphthalene rings facilitate electron migration and delocalization, thereby effectively suppressing carrier recombination. It was found that under the influence of BIEF, the separation and migration mechanism of photogenerated charge carriers in NDA-OP is a Z-scheme-like electron transfer mechanism significantly enhancing the redox capacity of the residual charge carriers. This work deepens the understanding of the photogenerated carrier transport mechanisms under the influence of BIEF in fragments of polymers.