Multi-component supramolecular gels induce protonation of a porphyrin exciplex to achieve improved collective optical properties for effective photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Abstract

Towards mimicking natural photosystems, supramolecular gels containing two types of porphyrins were developed for photocatalysis. Protonation and J-aggregation of porphyrins within gels expand the absorption to a wide range of visible wavelengths. Porphyrin exciplex formation renders a smaller bandgap for photo-induced electron generation. These features induce effective photocatalytic hydrogen generation.