Simultaneously Enhanced Activity and Selectivity for C(sp3)–H Bond Oxidation Under Visible Light by Nitrogen Doping

Abstract Selective oxidation of saturated C( sp 3 )–H bonds in hydrocarbon to target chemicals under mild conditions remains a significant but challenging task because the chemical inertness and high dissociation energy bonds. Semiconductor photocatalysis can induce generation holes oxidative radicals, offering an alternative way toward selective hydrocarbons ambient conditions. Herein, we constructed N-doped TiO 2 nanotubes (N-TNTs) that exhibited remarkable activity selectivity for toluene visible light, delivering conversion benzaldehyde 32% > 99%, respectively. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated incorporation nitrogen induced N-doping level above O p valance band, directly contributing visible-light response . Furthermore, hydroxyl radicals generated by photogenerated at orbit were found be unselective toluene, affording both benzoic acid. The was able inhibit terminating formation