Just Accepted

Wei Xu, Xiaosheng Dang, Qian Wang, Yidong Hou*, Masakazu Anpo, Guigang Zhang*
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100973
Photocatalysis; Seawater splitting; Poly (triazine imide); Chlorine tolerance; Ion-framework interaction
ABSTRACT
Photocatalytic overall seawater splitting represents
a sustainable route to hydrogen production but is fundamentally limited by
chloride-induced catalyst corrosion and competing chlorine evolution reactions.
Polymeric photocatalysts are attractive for this process; however, intrinsic
chlorine tolerance remains elusive. Here we report that poly (triazine imide)
single crystals with exposed {1010} facets enable efficient and stable photocatalytic
overall seawater splitting. A surface-bound Cl- layer forms an
electrostatic shield that suppresses chloride corrosion, while preferential Na+ adsorption generates
a strong interfacial electric field that enhances charge separation and extends
carrier lifetimes. Consequently, continuous H₂ and O₂ evolution with a
stoichiometric 2:1 ratio and without detectable chlorine by-products is
achieved under irradiation in natural seawater. These results reveal an
ion–framework cooperative mechanism and establish a feasible design principle for
chlorine-tolerant polymeric photocatalysts.