We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Photogenerated outer electric field induced electrophoresis of organic nanocrystals for effective solid-solid photocatalysis
Summary
Researchers discovered a way to use light-driven electric fields to propel tiny organic crystals toward microplastic surfaces, enabling them to break down the plastics into carbon dioxide using sunlight. This approach achieved efficient solid-to-solid photocatalytic degradation, offering a novel strategy for addressing microplastic pollution without requiring the plastics to be dissolved first.
Rapid mass transfer in solid-solid reactions is crucial for catalysis. Although phoretic nanoparticles offer potential for increased collision efficiency between solids, their implementation is hindered by limited interaction ranges. Here, we present a self-driven long-range electrophoresis of organic nanocrystals facilitated by a rationally designed photogenerated outer electric field (OEF) on their surface. Employing perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) molecular nanocrystals as a model, we demonstrate that a directional OEF with an intensity of 13.6-0.4 kV m across a range of 25-200 μm. This OEF-driven targeted electrophoresis of PTCDA nanocrystals onto the microplastic surface enhances the activity for subsequent decomposition of microplastics (196.8 mg h) into CO by solid-solid catalysis. As supported by operando characterizations and theoretical calculations, the OEF surrounds PTCDA nanocrystals initially, directing from the electron-rich (0 1 1) to the hole-rich [Formula: see text] surface. Upon surface charge modulation, the direction of OEF changes toward the solid substrate. The OEF-driven electrophoretic effect in organic nanocrystals with anisotropic charge enrichment characteristics indicates potential advancements in realizing effective solid-solid photocatalysis.