Revealing the A-Site Effect of Lead-Free A3Sb2Br9 Perovskite in Photocatalytic C(sp3)?H Bond Activation

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/anie.202005495

The lead-free halide perovskite A₃Sb₂Br₉ is utilized as a photocatalyst for the first time for C(sp³)?H bond activation. A₃Sb₂Br₉ nanoparticles (A₃Sb₂Br₉ NPs) with different ratios of Cs and CH₃NH₃ (MA) show different photocatalytic activities for toluene oxidation and the photocatalytic performance is enhanced when increasing the amount of Cs. The octahedron distortion caused by A-site cations can change the electronic properties of X-site ions and further affect the electron transfer from toluene molecules to Br sites. After the regulation of A-site cations, the photocatalytic activity is higher with A₃Sb₂Br₉ NPs than that with classic photocatalysts (TiO₂, WO₃, and CdS). The main active species involved in photocatalytic oxidation of toluene are photogenerated holes (h⁺) and superoxide anions (^.O₂^?). The octahedron distortion by A-site cations affecting photocatalytic activity remains unique and is also a step forward for understanding more about halide-perovskite-based photocatalysis. The relationship between octahedron distortion and photocatalysis can also guide the design of new photocatalytic systems involving other halide perovskites.