Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Dibenzo-[b,f][1,5]diazocine Derivatives for Photocatalytic Water Splitting Applications

Abstract

Photocatalytic water splitting converts solar energy to storable hydrogen molecules which has the highest energy per mass. Most catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting utilize noble metals or precious metals. Organic photocatalysts are attracting more attention owing to several advantages like light weight, low cost, defined structure and tunability. In this study, the synthesis of several dibenzo[b,f][1,5]- diazocines via microwave irradiation for water splitting application is reported. Microwave irradiation facilitates fast, safe and simple synthesis in green reaction conditions. Mini library of dibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocines were created in order to understand substituents effect on the photocatalytic activity.

Dibenzo[b,f][1,5]Diazocines/ZnO Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Photoanodes for Efficient Photo Electrochemical Water Splitting

“…Hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA, ACS reagent, ≥99.0%, Sigma-Aldrich) and zinc nitrate hexahydrate (reagent grade, 98%, Sigma-Aldrich) were used for preparation of growth solution during hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO NR. Diazocine derivative ((5Z,11Z)-6,12-diphenyl-2,8-di((E)-styryl)-dibenzo[b,f][1,5]diazocine) was synthesized and characterized according to the previously published paper from our group [23]. Tetrahydrofuran (THF, anhydrous, contains 250 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as inhibitor, ≥99.9%, Sigma-Aldrich) was used as a solvent for organic material stock and film solutions.…”

Synthetic strategies and diversification of dibenzo[1,5]diazocines

“…11 Furthermore, certain derivatives also exhibit an intense UV-vis absorption range 12,13 with the spectra capable of being tuned with pH changes. 14,15 The extensive extended π-conjugation of dibenzo [1,5]diazocines are widely employed as organic candidates for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) 16,17 and optical sensors. 18 The electron-rich diazocine structures are also capable of serving as versatile ligands towards metal ions to generate a wide range of fascinating geometric architectures of metal complexes.…”