CdS Nanorod-Driven Photocatalytic Reforming of Pyridine-Functional Glycopolymers for H2 Evolution.

Abstract

Photoreforming of biomass presents a promising approach for sustainable H₂ production by utilizing renewable solar energy under ambient conditions. However, its application is often limited by the poor solubility of biomass-derived substrates. Herein, this challenge is addressed by synthesizing hydrophilic, electron-rich pyridine-based glycopolymers via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, followed by deacetylation of glucose- and maltose-based segments. The polymers and CdS nanorods are thoroughly characterized using various spectroscopic and thermal analyses. The resulting deacetylated glycopolymers exhibit enhanced aqueous solubility and are employed as biomass replacement for photoreforming. The as-prepared CdS nanorods with P4VP-b-PMDG significantly improve glucose photoreforming, achieving an efficient hydrogen evolution rate of up to 1685  μ mol h^-1 g^-1 with an apparent quantum yield of 4.10% under alkaline conditions (10 M NaOH). The CdS nanorods' stability is investigated through a photocatalytic recyclability test, representing a regeneration efficiency of 94.36% in the fourth cycle. This work highlights the potential of tailored hydrophilic polymers to overcome solubility limitations and enhance the efficiency of biomass photoreforming systems.