Scientists develop cell-mimicking nanoreactor that converts sunlight into hydrogen peroxide

A hollow CdS@polydopamine nanoreactor, inspired by the organization of living cells, has been. The structure features a porous polydopamine shell that acts as a proton relay via a catechol/o-benzoquinone redox pair, accelerating proton-coupled electron transfer. Its internal cavity concentrates reactants and captures photons, enhancing the light-driven synthesis of hydrogen peroxide.

Under visible illumination in water, the system reaches a production rate of 3.24 mmol gcat⁻¹ h⁻¹ and converts 1.2% of solar energy into chemical energy. In situ spectroscopy, photochemical tests, simulations, and theoretical calculations clarified the Z-scheme heterojunction mechanism behind the reaction. When immobilized in a sodium alginate hydrogel, the nanoreactors function as recyclable solid photocatalysts that maintain stable output under sunlight. The researchers suggest the approach could advance artificial photosynthesis, energy catalysis, and sustainable chemical manufacturing.