Poly (triazine imide) single crystals with chlorine-terminated facets enable chlorine-tolerant photocatalytic seawater splitting

Wei Xu, Xiaosheng Dang, Qian Wang, Yidong Hou*, Masakazu Anpo, Guigang Zhang*

Chin. J. Struct. Chem., 2026, 45(9), 100973. DOI: 10.1016/j.cjsc.2026.100973

September 1, 2026

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.



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