Precise Manipulation on the Structural Defects of Poly (Triazine Imide) Single Crystals for Efficient Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting

Conjugated polymers, represented by polymeric carbon nitrides (PCNs), have risen to prominence as new-generation photocatalysts for overall water splitting (OWS). Despite considerable efforts, achieving highly crystalline PCNs with minimal structural defects remains a great challenge, and it is also difficult to examine the exact impact of complex defect states on OWS process, which largely limits their quantum efficiency. Herein, we devise a 'in-situ salt flux' assisted copolymerization protocol by using nitrogen-rich and nitrogen-deficient monomers to precisely manipulate the structural defects of poly (triazine imide) (PTI) single crystals. Stoichiometric control between two comonomers enables continuous…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 22032002, 22472029, 22432003, 2021YFA1502100, 22172029, U24A20567, U24A20567, 22032002, 22432003, 22172029, and 22472029
• NS
  National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory

  Award: BL10B
• HE
  Higher Education Discipline Innovation Project

  Award: D16008