Wei-Lin Dai GroupArtificial photosynthesis of H2O2 from inexhaustible seawater is a desirable energy production strategy, but substantial challenge. Herein, we present the Nb2C quantum dots anchored on pyrene-based covalent organic framework (Nb2C QDs@PY-DHBD-COF, NQPD-x) heterostructures for efficient non-sacrificial H2O2 photosynthesis directly from air and seawater. The optimal NQPD-3 catalyst achieves an impressive H2O2 production rate of 3560 μmol g- 1 h- 1, and apparent quantum yield of 12.8 % at 400 nm together with solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency of 0.27 %, surpassing most previously reported photocatalysts. Expanding further, the utilization of NQPD-3 polypropylene nonwoven fabric membranes for fabricating photocatalytic device show promising potential in practical large-scale application. Combining advanced characterizations with theoretical calculations verify that the excellent photocatalytic performance is ascribed to the robust built-in electric field modulated by Nb2C QDs, and the synergistic effect of heterostructures, inducing photo-generated carriers transfer and optimizing O2 adsorption. This work provides a perspective for highly efficient and practical photocatalysts for H2O2 production from earth-abundant seawater in a sustainable way.
