Solar-driven green synthesis of epoxides

research published In the journal Science China Chemistry It is expected to serve as comprehensive background knowledge and provide researchers with insight into recent developments in solar-powered green synthesis of epoxides.

The review was led by Professor Yuchao Zhang (Key Laboratory of Photochemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences).

“Epoxides play an important role. Industrial production, serve as essential building blocks or intermediates for the synthesis of various high-value chemicals. Conventional production methods often rely on hazardous oxidants (such as peroxyacids) or fossil fuel-fired thermal catalytic systems, resulting in significant CO emissions.₂ emissions and waste generation,” says Zhang.

“Solar energy represents the most promising source of renewable energy for a sustainable society. Recently, solar-powered photo(electro)chemistry showed advantages in achieving environmentally friendly synthesis of epoxides. are.”

“For example, Hot electrons or local thermal effects induced on plasmonic photocatalysts can effectively reduce O.₂ The activation temperature in thermal catalysis systems, and photoelectrochemical systems can be effectively reduced. Applied voltage Electrochemical halide-mediated indirect epoxidation processes.”

“However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, including improving the performance of photo(electro)catalytic systems and gaining a deeper understanding of catalytic selectivity in epoxidation. A comprehensive review on this topic furthers this field. will provide insight and attract more researchers’ attention to it.”

In this review, fundamental studies and reaction mechanisms of olefin epoxidation in three specific catalytic systems—molecular catalysis, heterogeneous thermal catalysis, and electrocatalysis—are summarized. Next, recent developments in usage solar energy are interacting to promote the synthesis of epoxides. Finally, insights into future perspectives on engineering photo(electro)chemical systems for efficient epoxide production are suggested.