Project information
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.