Efficient Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide and Formate by an Organic Polymer Dots Photocatalyst in Alkaline Conditions

A photocatalyst comprising binary organic polymer dots (Pdots) was prepared. The Pdots were constructed from poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐benzothiadiazole), as an electron donor, and 1‐[3‐(methoxycarbonyl)propyl]‐1‐phenyl‐[6.6]C(61), as an electron acceptor. The photocatalyst produces H(2)O(2) in alkaline conditions (1 M KOH) with a production rate of up to 188 mmol h(−1) g(−1). The external quantum efficiencies were 30 % (5 min) and 14 % (75 min) at 450 nm. Furthermore, photo‐oxidation of methanol by Pdots, followed by a disproportionation reaction and an oxidation reaction, produced the high‐value chemical formate. On the basis of various spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements, the photophysical processes of the system were studied in detail and a reaction mechanism was proposed.