Halogen-Modulated 2D Coordination Polymers for Efficient Hydrogen Peroxide Photosynthesis under Air and Pure Water Conditions.

H ₂ O ₂ is a widely used eco-friendly oxidant and a potential energy carrier. Photocatalytic H ₂ O ₂ production from water and O ₂ is an ideal approach with the potential to address the current energy crisis and environmental issues. Three zig-zag two-dimensional coordination polymers (2D CPs), named CuX-dptz, were synthesized by a rapid and facile method at room temperature, showing preeminent H ₂ O ₂ photoproduction performance under pure water and open air without any additives. CuBr-dptz exhibits a H ₂ O ₂ production rate high up to 1874 μmol g ^-1  h ^-1 , exceeding most reported photocatalysts under this condition, even comparable to those supported by sacrificial agents and O ₂ . The coordination environment of Cu can be modulated by halogen atoms (X=Cl, Br, I), which in turn affects the electron transfer process and finally determines the reaction activity. This is the first time that 2D CPs have been used for photocatalytic H ₂ O ₂ production in such challenging conditions, which provides a new pathway for the development of portable in situ H ₂ O ₂ photosynthesis devices.
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