Synergistic Integration of Porphyrin-Sensitized Boehmite Nanohybrids for Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Organic Transformations

Photocatalytic organic conversion is regarded as an efficient, clean, and low-energy-intensive organic synthesis strategy with high atom economy, driving the increasing focus on the design and development of novel green photocatalysts. In this work, a series of novel porphyrin-sensitized nanohybrids named Por(COOH)₈/AlOOH (1:<i>n</i>) (<i>n</i> = 10, 30, 50, and 100) were synthesized via a simple and low-cost solvothermal method and characterized comprehensively. The as-prepared nanohybrids exhibit a porous structure with a large specific surface area, while the incorporation of porphyrin units significantly enhances the overall light absorption capacity. Their photocatalytic performance was evaluated through the oxidation of benzylamine under visible light. Notably, Por(COOH)₈/AlOOH (1:30) with a large pore volume exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity, demonstrating adaptability toward various benzylamine derivatives, and remained nearly unchanged over six consecutive cycles, which underscores its exceptional stability. This study provides a robust methodology for fabricating highly efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts.