Photocatalytic Dehydrogenation of Formic Acid on CdS Nanorods through Ni and Co Redox Mediation under Mild Conditions

Selective Transformation of Biomass and the Derivatives for Aryl Compounds and Hydrogen via Visible-Light-Induced Radicals

ConspectusFor sustainable development, exploring renewable resources is an urgent priority. Nonfood biomass, one of the largest renewable resources on Earth, primarily comprises three key components: lignin (ca. 15-30%), cellulose (ca. 35-50%), and hemicellulose (ca. 20-30%). Theoretically, nonfood biomass can be converted into green chemicals and energy. However, most studies have focused on the generation of chemicals and carbon-based energy under harsh conditions, often resulting in lower selectivities. Therefore, further efforts to explore efficient and selective methods for producing chemicals and hydrogen (H2) are essential to promoting the practical applications of renewable biomass. In this Account, we summarize our contributions to the efficient and selective transformation of biomass and its derivatives into aryl compounds and H2. These transformations were achieved using visible-light-induced photocatalytic systems that generate active radicals to selectively cleave C-C, C-O, C-H, and O-H bonds under mild conditions, without using noble metals. First, aryl compound production was achieved by chemoselective cleavage of C-C and C-O bonds using aryl carboxyl radicals and aryl ether radical cations. Specifically, the aryl carboxyl radical in the charge-transfer complex induced the chemoselective cleavage of C-C bonds of aryl carboxylic acids, which are platform molecules derived from lignin oxidation; the aryl carboxyl radical in free form facilitated the chemoselective cleavage of C-O bonds in the model of the 4-O-5 lignin linkage. Moreover, arenols and aryl alcohols were obtained via cooperation of the aryl ether radical cation and the vanadate-induced chemoselective cleavage of the C-O bonds of the models of various lignin linkages. Second, we developed a streamlined strategy for H2 production from biomass using a one-pot, two-step route with formic acid (HCO2H) as an intermediate for H2 storage by thermocatalysis. Using this strategy by photoredox catalysis, HCO2H was initially obtained via the alkoxy radical-induced gradual cleavage of C-C bonds in cellulose, hemicellulose, glucose, and their derivatives. Subsequently, efficient H2 production from biomass-based HCO2H was realized via hydroxyl radical (·OH)-induced C-H and the following cleavage of the O-H bonds, with cooperation of the nickel catalysis. Third, the highest H2 production capability from biomass was achieved via efficient water reforming. This process utilized alkoxy radicals followed by generated carbon cations via electrocatalysis, inducing a well-organized cleavage of C-C, O-H, and C-H bonds. We anticipate that these insights will inspire the development of more efficient, stable, and cost-effective catalytic systems, accelerating the utilization of biomass as a renewable resource and driving other related significant transformations.

A binary dumbbell visible light driven photocatalyst for simultaneous hydrogen production with the selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde

Photocatalytic H2 production with selective oxidation of organic moieties in an aqueous medium is a fascinating research area. However, the rational design of photocatalysts and their photocatalytic performance are still inadequate. In this work, we efficiently synthesized the MoS2 tipped CdS nanowires (NWs) photocatalyst using soft templates via the two-step hydrothermal method for efficient H2 production with selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BO) under visible light illumination. The optimized MoS2 tipped CdS NWs (20 % MoS2) photocatalyst exhibits the highest photocatalytic H2 production efficiency of 13.55 mmol g-1 h-1 with 99 % selective oxidation of BO, which was 42.34 and 2.21 times greater photocatalytic performance than that of pristine CdS NWs and MoS2/CdS NWs, respectively. The directional loading of MoS2 at the tips of CdS NWs (as compared to nondirectional MoS2 at CdS NWs) is the key factor towards superior H2 production with 99 % selective oxidation of BO and has an inhibitory effect on the photo corrosion of pristine CdS NWs. Therefore, the amazing enhancement in the photocatalytic performance and selectivity of optimized MoS2 tipped CdS NWs (20 % MoS2) photocatalyst is due to the spatial separation of their photoexcited charge carriers through the Schottky junction. Moreover, the unique structure of the MoS2 flower at the tip of 1D CdS NWs offers separate active sites for adsorption and surface reactions such as H2 production at the MoS2 flower (confirmed by Pt photo deposition) and subsequently the selective oxidation of BO at the stem of CdS NWs. This rational design of a photocatalyst could be an inspiring work for the further development of an efficient photocatalytic system for H2 production with selective oxidation of BO (a strategy of mashing two potatoes with one fork).

Hydrogen Production from Formic Acid by In Situ Generated Ni/CdS Photocatalytic System under Visible Light Irradiation

Simple and practical noble-metal-free catalyzed hydrogen production from sustainable resources, such as renewable formic acid, is highly desirable. Herein, the development of an efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production from aqueous solution of formic acid using in situ generated Ni/CdS photocatalytic system was described. CdS-Cys (Cys=l-cysteine) quantum dots (QDs) acting as photocatalyst with Ni(OAc)₂ as H₂ production catalyst precursor, a 94 % yield was obtained within 5 h under visible light irradiation at 50 °C. The average rate of H₂ production reached up to 282 μmol mg^-1  h^-1 with 99.8 % H₂ selectivity. Mechanistic studies indicate cooperation of dynamic quenching and static quenching of CdS-Cys QDs by Ni(OAc)₂ . Especially, Ni⁰ , generated in the dynamic quenching, accelerated the electron transfer by acting as an electron outlet and enhancing the stability of CdS to slow down the photocorrosion distinctly, delivering efficient H₂ production with high selectivity. Our study will inspire exploration of various efficient non-noble-metal catalysts for practical H₂ production from bio-based formic acid.

Laser Ablation Nanoarchitectonics of Au-Cu Alloys Deposited on TiO2 Photocatalyst Films for Switchable Hydrogen Evolution from Formic Acid Dehydrogenation

The regulation of H₂ evolution from formic acid dehydrogenation using recyclable photocatalyst films is an essential approach for on-demand H₂ production. We have successfully generated Au-Cu nanoalloys using a laser ablation method and deposited them on TiO₂ photocatalyst films (Au _x Cu_100-x /TiO₂). The Au-Cu/TiO₂ films were employed as photocatalysts for H₂ production from formic acid dehydrogenation under light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation (365 nm). The highest H₂ evolution rate for Au₂₀Cu₈₀/TiO₂ is archived to 62,500 μmol h^-1 g^-1 per photocatalyst weight. The remarkable performance of Au₂₀Cu₈₀/TiO₂ may account for the formation of Au-rich surfaces and the effect of Au alloying that enables Cu to sustain the metallic form on its surface. The metallic Au-Cu surface on TiO₂ is vital to supply the photoexcited electrons of TiO₂ to its surface for H₂ evolution. The rate-determining step (RDS) is identified as the reaction of a surface-active species with protons. The results establish a practical preparation of metal alloy deposited on photocatalyst films using laser ablation to develop efficient photocatalysts.

Constructing Direct Z-Scheme Heterostructure by Enwrapping ZnIn2 S4 on CdS Hollow Cube for Efficient Photocatalytic H2 Generation

Rational design hybrid nanostructure photocatalysts with efficient charge separation and transfer, and good solar light harvesting ability have critical significance for achieving high solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency. Here a highly active and stable composite photocatalyst is reported by integrating ultrathin ZnIn₂ S₄ nanosheets on surface of hollow CdS cube to form the cube-in-cube structure. Experimental results combined with density functional theory calculations confirm that the Z-scheme ZnIn₂ S₄ /CdS heterojunction is formed, which highly boosts the charge separation and transfer under the local-electric-field at semiconductor/semiconductor interface, and thus prolongs their lifetimes. Moreover, such a structure affords the highly enhanced light-harvesting property. The optimized ZnIn₂ S₄ /CdS nanohybrids exhibit superior H₂ generation rate under visible-light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm) with excellent photochemical stability during 20 h continuous operation.

Hybrid Metal-Organic Frameworks Encapsulated Hybrid Ni-Doped CdS Nanoparticles for Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Reduction

The photocatalytic production of syngas from CO₂ and water is an attractive and straightforward way for both solar energy storage and sustainable development. Here, we combined the hybrid shell of a bimetallic metal-organic framework (MOF) Zn/Co-zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) and the hybrid photoactive center of Ni-doped CdS nanoparticles (Ni@CdS) to construct a new "2 + 2" photocatalysis system Ni@CdS⊂Zn/Co-ZIF through a facile self-assembly process, which exhibited a double-synergic effect for visible light harvesting and CO₂ conversion, leading to one of the highest photocatalytic syngas production rates and excellent recyclability. The H₂/CO of syngas ratios can be readily adjusted by controlling the ratio of Zn/Co in the hybrid MOF shell.

CdS Nanorods Anchored with Crystalline FeP Nanoparticles for Efficient Photocatalytic Formic Acid Dehydrogenation

Photocatalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid is a promising strategy for H₂ generation. In this work, we report the use of crystalline iron phosphide (FeP) nanoparticles as an efficient and robust cocatalyst on CdS nanorods (FeP@CdS) for highly efficient photocatalytic formic acid dehydrogenation. The optimal H₂ evolution rate can reach ∼556 μmol·h^-1 at pH 3.5, which is more than 37 times higher than that of bare CdS. Moreover, the photocatalyst demonstrates excellent stability; no significant decrease of the catalytic activity was observed during continuous testing for more than four days. The apparent quantum yield is ∼54% at 420 nm, which is among the highest values obtained using noble-metal-free photocatalysts for formic acid dehydrogenation. This work provides a novel strategy for designing highly efficient and economically viable photocatalysts for formic acid dehydrogenation.

Efficient acceptorless dehydrogenation of hydrogen-rich N-heterocycles photocatalyzed by Ni(OH)2@CdSe/CdS quantum dots

Ni(OH)₂@CdSe/CdS QDs exhibit excellent photocatalytic acceptorless dehydrogenation of hydrogen-rich N-heterocycles with the release of hydrogen at ambient temperature.

In situ addition of Ni salt onto a skeletal Cu7S4 integrated CdS nanorod photocatalyst for efficient production of H2 under solar light irradiation

Development of earth-abundant, low cost, skeletal-type copper sulfide superstructures and in situ addition of Ni salts plays a prominent role to enhance the activity of CdS semiconductor nanostructures for photocatalytic H₂ production.

Photocatalytic Approaches for Hydrogen Production via Formic Acid Decomposition

The photocatalytic dehydrogenation of formic acid has recently emerged as an outstanding alternative to the traditional thermal catalysts widely applied in this reaction. The utilization of photocatalytic processes for the production of hydrogen is an appealing strategy that perfectly matches with the idea of a green and sustainable future energy scenario. However, it sounds easier than it is, and great efforts have been needed to design and develop highly efficient photocatalysts for the production of hydrogen from formic acid. In this work, some of the most representative strategies adopted for this application are reviewed, paying particular attention to systems based on TiO₂, CdS and C₃N₄.

A Critical Review on Energy Conversion and Environmental Remediation of Photocatalysts with Remodeling Crystal Lattice, Surface, and Interface

Solar energy is a renewable resource that can supply our energy needs in the long term. A semiconductor photocatalysis that is capable of utilizing solar energy has appealed to considerable interests for recent decades, owing to the ability to aim at environmental problems and produce renewal energy. Much effort has been put into the synthesis of a highly efficient semiconductor photocatalyst to promote its real application potential. Hence, we reviewed the most advanced methods and strategies in terms of (i) broadening the light absorption wavelengths, (ii) design of active reaction sites, and (iii) control of the electron-hole (e^--h⁺) recombination, while these three processes could be influenced by remodeling the crystal lattice, surface, and interface. Additionally, we individually examined their current applications in energy conversion (i.e., hydrogen evolution, CO₂ reduction, nitrogen fixation, and oriented synthesis) and environmental remediation (i.e., air purification and wastewater treatment). Overall, in this review, we particularly focused on advanced photocatalytic activity with simultaneous wastewater decontamination and energy conversion and further enriched the mechanism by proposing the electron flow and substance conversion. Finally, this review offers the prospects of semiconductor photocatalysts in the following three vital (distinct) aspects: (i) the large-scale preparation of highly efficient photocatalysts, (ii) the development of sustainable photocatalysis systems, and (iii) the optimization of the photocatalytic process for practical application.