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Natural sciences
- Nanochemistry
- Synthesis of materials
- Catalysis
- Photochemistry
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Engineering and technology
- Nanomaterials
Photocatalysis by non-toxic, metal-free, highly porous and crystalline Covalent Organic Frameworks (COF) is a highly promising route for green synthesis of valuable chemicals. We pioneered in 2020 for the first time H2O2 production by COFs from photocatalytically reduced oxygen. The topic has been booming ever since. In this proposal, we want to advance the field to the next level with 2 concrete goals: (1) reaching commercial concentrations of H2O2 (30%) while oxidizing alcohols to interesting ketons and (2) exploring for the first time a photocatalytic Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, without adding peracids and using the photoreduced reactive oxygen species as oxidants. Secondary goals are the photocatalytic synthesis of estrolactone as a proof of concept for the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation and the scale-up of the COF synthesis to +50 g scale.