Stabilising benzoquinone electron mediators with redox partners to by-pass reactive intermediates Shella J. Willyam, Robin Scullion, Jenny Z. Zhang Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, UK Quinones, valued for their reversible redox properties, are widely employedas electron mediators in electrochemical devices and biological assays. However, their practical use as redox components in aqueous environments is significantly impaired by degradation issues. In this study, we explored the molecular transformation mechanisms of quinones in water and the environmental conditions that accelerate the degradation process. Using 2,6-dichlorobenzoquinone (DCBQ), a common mediator in photosynthesis research, we discovered that semiquinones are the key intermediates involved in quinone degradation. The deleterious process was found to be accelerated by alkaline conditions, aerobic environment, and the presence of certain cations. A simple strategy of adding an oxidising partner, specifically ferricyanide, reduced the degradation by tenfold at neutral pH. Moreover, applying this strategy in a model biophotoelectrochemical system resulted in prolonged quinone redox functionality and enhanced photocurrent outputs.These findings provide a novel approach for developing durable quinone-based aqueous systems, fostering advancements in green technology solutions.
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