Helical Electronic Transitions of Spiroconjugated Molecules

<div><div><div><div><p>The two pi-systems of allene can mix into helical molecular orbitals (MOs), yet the helicity is lost in the pi-pi∗ transitions. In spiroconjugated molecules the relative orientation of the two π- systems is different as only half the pi-MOs become helical. Consequently, the helicity of the electronic transitions is symmetry protected and thus helical pi-conjugation can manifest in observable electronic and chiroptical properties.</p></div></div></div></div>

Hypercrosslinked Polymers as a Photocatalytic Platform for Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Photoreduction Using H2O

The design of robust, high-performance photocatalysts is key for the success of solar fuel production <i>via</i> CO₂conversion. Herein, we present hypercrosslinked polymer (HCP) photocatalysts for the selective reduction of CO₂ to CO, combining excellent CO₂ sorption capacities, good general stabilities, and low production costs. HCPs are active photocatalysts in the visible light range, significantly out-performing the benchmark material, TiO₂ P25, using only sacrificial H₂O. We hypothesise that superior H₂O adsorption capacities led to concentration at photoactive sites, improving photocatalytic conversion rates when compared to sacrificial H₂. These polymers are an intriguing set of organic photocatalysts, displaying no long-range order or extended pi-conjugation. The as-synthesised networks are the sole photocatalytic component, requiring no co-catalyst doping or photosensitiser, representing a highly versatile and exciting platform for solar-energy conversion.

Hypercrosslinked Polymers as a Photocatalytic Platform for Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Photoreduction Using H2O

The design of robust, high-performance photocatalysts is key for the success of solar fuel production <i>via</i> CO₂conversion. Herein, we present hypercrosslinked polymer (HCP) photocatalysts for the selective reduction of CO₂ to CO, combining excellent CO₂ sorption capacities, good general stabilities, and low production costs. HCPs are active photocatalysts in the visible light range, significantly out-performing the benchmark material, TiO₂ P25, using only sacrificial H₂O. We hypothesise that superior H₂O adsorption capacities led to concentration at photoactive sites, improving photocatalytic conversion rates when compared to sacrificial H₂. These polymers are an intriguing set of organic photocatalysts, displaying no long-range order or extended pi-conjugation. The as-synthesised networks are the sole photocatalytic component, requiring no co-catalyst doping or photosensitiser, representing a highly versatile and exciting platform for solar-energy conversion.