New D-p-A conjugates compounds for H2 production by photoreforming of sacrificial electron donors (SEDs)

Organic dyes with D-?-A structure are commonly used as sensitizer in dye sensitizer solar cells (DSSC). Recently the use of this class of molecules are involved in the photocatalytic H2 production. The photocatalytic reforming is a valid approach to produce H2 under ambient conditions and using sunlight, the cheapest energy source available on earth. This method of hydrogen production is also particularly advantageous if the sacrificial electron donor (SED) used comes from renewable sources (ethanol, methanol, glycerol, etc.). In this communication new D-p-A molecules for photocatalytic reforming will be presented. They are characterized by structural differences both as regards heterocyclic systems used and as regards the presence or absence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic side chains. Their synthesis, characterization and the efficiency in the production of hydrogen will be presented, highlighting how the structural differences can influence the choice of triethanolamine or ethanol as SED.