Work

Base Metal Photocatalysts: A Bright Future in Photoredox Catalysis?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Photoredox catalysis is widely considered as a more sustainable alternative for performing chemical synthesis, using low-energy visible-light photons as traceless reagents to achieve the desired reactivity under mild conditions. While this has led to significant improvements in sustainability for many transformations, the environmental impact of the photocatalysts themselves is often overlooked, with many methods relying on precious metals with uncertain long-term availability. One solution that remains underexplored is the development of photocatalysts using earth-abundant base metals. This tutorial review discusses current strategies for designing effective base metal photocatalysts and highlights recent notable examples of their implementation in photoredox-catalyzed transformations.

Source: Organometallics

DOI: 10.1021/acs.organomet.5c00444

Authors: Subrata Pal, Martin Pauze, Negin Shafiei, Spencer P. Pitre

Institution: Oklahoma State University

Language: English

Topic: Radical Photochemical Reactions

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funder: National Institute of General Medical Sciences