Perylene diimide self-assembly: From electronic structural modulation to photocatalytic applications

Abstract As an emerging organic semiconductor, perylene diimide (PDI) self-assembly has attracted tremendous attention in the aspects of solar cells, sensors, fluorescence probes and n-transistors, etc. In term of photocatalysis, various photocatalysts based on PDI self-assembly exhibit some unique properties, such as intrinsic Π-Π stacking structure, fast internal charge transfer, band-like electronic structure, flexible structural modifiability, well-defined morphological adjustability and excellent light absorption. This paper mainly presents recent progress on PDI self-assembly regarding how to regulate the electronic structure of PDI self-assembly. In addition, the photocatalytic applications of PDI self-assembly and its complexes were reviewed, such as environmental remedy, energy productions, organic synthesis and photodynamic/photothermal therapy, further highlighting related photocatalytic mechanisms. Finally, the review contents and some perspectives on photocatalytic research of PDI self-assembly were summarized, and some key scientific problems were put forward to direct related photocatalytic research in future.