From Speculation to Mechanism: Deciphering the True Potential of Poly(Heptazine Imide)

This project aims to uncover the fundamental mechanisms governing the photocatalytic behavior of poly(heptazine imide) (PHI), a visible-light-active carbon nitride material. Despite its demonstrated potential, PHI’s performance is not yet fully understood due to complex interdependencies between its structure, charge transport, and surface reactivity. Through a hypothesis-driven approach, the project investigates the roles of synthesis, plasma modification, mass transfer in flow systems, and redox chemistry in microfluidics. Four interdisciplinary work packages will explore structure – function relationships, charge carrier dynamics, and reaction mechanisms under well-defined conditions. The findings will form a scientific basis for future applications in photocatalysis, microbial inactivation, and sustainable chemical synthesis, contributing to the broader understanding of light-driven heterogeneous catalysis.