Post-polymerisation functionalisation of conjugated polymers: oligoether side-chain length governs exciton lifetime and dissociation for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Key Points

• This work aims to investigate how oligoether side-chain length influences exciton lifetime and charge dissociation in conjugated polymers used for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
• Synthesis of conjugated polymers with varying oligoether side-chain lengths.
• Evaluation of exciton lifetime and charge recombination through photophysical measurements.
• Assessment of photocatalytic performance in hydrogen evolution reactions.
• Longer oligoether side chains increased exciton lifetime, promoting charge dissociation.
• Significant enhancement in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rates observed with specific side-chain lengths.
• Reduction in charge recombination rates correlated with improved hydrogen evolution performance.