Photocatalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using mixed halide perovskite MAPbBrxCl3−x quantum dots

Abstract

Owing to their exceptional optoelectronic properties, organometallic halide perovskites (OHPs) have emerged as promising materials for photocatalytic applications. This study investigated the visible-light-induced oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) using mixed halide perovskite MAPbBr_xCl_3−x quantum dots (QDs). The QDs were synthesized with varying ratios of Br⁻ and Cl⁻ to tune their optical and electronic properties. Characterization using X-ray diffraction confirmed the crystalline structure, and transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray mapping verified the homogeneity of the halide distribution. The photocatalytic performance was evaluated under blue light-emitting diode irradiation, and the MAPbBr₁Cl₂ QDs demonstrated complete HMF conversion and high selectivity for DFF. Mechanistic studies revealed the involvement of superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻) and singlet oxygen (¹O₂) in the photocatalytic process, as evidenced by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The study results underscore the potential ability of MAPbBr_xCl_3−x QDs to enhance photocatalytic efficiency for biomass conversion, while also addressing the challenges of stability and toxicity associated with OHPs.