Search for: All records

Efficient utilization of sunlight in photocatalysis is widely recognized as a promising solution for addressing the growing energy demand and environmental issues resulting from fossil fuel consumption. Recently, there have been significant developments in various near‐infrared (NIR) light‐harvesting systems for artificial photosynthesis and photocatalytic environmental remediation. This review provides an overview of the most recent advancements in the utilization of NIR light through the creation of novel nanostructured materials and molecular photosensitizers, as well as modulating strategies to enhance the photocatalytic processes. A special focus is given to the emerging two‐photon excitation NIR photocatalysis. The unique features and limitations of different systems are critically evaluated. In particular, it highlights the advantages of utilizing NIR light and two‐photon excitation compared to UV–visible irradiation and one‐photon excitation. Ongoing challenges and potential solutions for the future exploration of NIR light‐responsive materials are also discussed.

 

Abstract One-photon-absorbing photosensitizers are commonly used in homogeneous photocatalysis which require the absorption of ultraviolet (UV) /visible light to populate the desired excited states with adequate energy and lifetime. Nevertheless, the limited penetration depth and competing absorption by organic substrates of UV/visible light calls upon exploring the utilization of longer-wavelength irradiation, such as near-infrared light (λ irr  > 700 nm). Despite being found applications in photodynamic therapy and bioimaging, two-photon absorption (TPA), the simultaneous absorption of two photons by one molecule, has been rarely explored in homogeneous photocatalysis. Herein, we report a group of ruthenium polypyridyl complexes possessing TPA capability that can drive a variety of organic transformations upon irradiation with 740 nm light. We demonstrate that these TPA ruthenium complexes can operate in an analogous manner as one-photon-absorbing photosensitizers for both energy-transfer and photoredox reactions, as well as function in concert with a transition metal co-catalyst for metallaphotoredox C–C coupling reactions.