Electrophotocatalysis: Combining Light and Electricity to Catalyze Reactions

Visible-light photocatalysis and electrocatalysis are two powerful strategies for the promotion of chemical reactions that have received tremendous attention in recent years. In contrast, processes that combine these two modalities, an area termed electrophotocatalysis, have until recently remained quite rare. However, over the past several years a number of reports in this area have shown the potential of combining the power of light and electrical energy to realize new catalytic transformations. Electrophotocatalysis offers the ability to perform photoredox reactions without the need for large quantities of stoichiometric or superstoichiometric chemical oxidants or reductants by making use of an electrochemical potential as the electron source or sink. In addition, electrophotocatalysis is readily amenable to the generation of open-shell photocatalysts, which tend to have exceptionally strong redox potentials. In this way, potent yet selective redox reactions have been realized under relatively mild conditions. This Perspective highlights recent advances in the area of electrophotocatalysis and provides some possible avenues for future work in this growing area.