Photocurrent Generation and Polarity Switching in Electrochemical Cells through Light‐induced Excited State Proton Transfer of Photoacids and Photobases

Light is a common source of energy in sustainable technologies for photocurrent generation. To date, such light-harvesting applications, the excited electrons generate photocurrent. Here, we introduce new mechanism generation that based on state proton transfer (ESPT) photoacids and photobases can donate or accept proton, respectively, but only after excitation. We show formed ions following ESPT either serve as electron donors acceptors with electrodes, modify kinetics mass transport across diffuse layer, both resulting further control current polarity obtained by switching irradiation between photoacid photobase. Our study represents approach photoelectrochemistry introducing processes, which be utilized light-responsive production storage.