Nanomorphic copper phosphate as a lightless catalyst for singlet oxygen generation: Mechanistic insights and comparative analysis

Singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ), a highly reactive oxygen species, possesses significant utility in the domains of chemistry and materials science, with applications encompassing wastewater treatment, advanced battery fabrication and the degradation of organic pollutants. The generation of 1 O 2 is typically facilitated through specific processes such as photocatalytic reactions involving photosensitizers, electron transfer reactions, or enzymatic catalysis. The production of 1 O 2 is challenging and its reactivity is constrained, thereby limiting its generation and applications. This study aims to surmount these limitations by investigating the exceptional capacity of a nanomorphic copper phosphate (Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ) to generate 1 O 2 in no need of light activation. A comprehensive characterization of the micromorphology, physical, and chemical properties of Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 was conducted to analyze and evaluate its structural and intrinsic characteristics. Systematic research on the kinetic simulation properties of Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 was undertaken to acquire experimental data pertaining to the efficiency and mechanism of the catalytic process, providing a scientific foundation for further optimizing its performance as a catalyst for 1 O 2 generation. This research may pave the way for the development of novel and efficient systems for the generation of effective 1 O 2 .