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Alam S, Ali M, Bang JH. Dual Functionality of Surface States in Dictating Photocurrent Generation of Au Nanocluster-Sensitized TiO 2 Electrodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:30068-30076. [PMID: 38820718 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs), composed of only a few atoms, exhibit molecule-like behavior due to their distinct electronic structures arising from quantum confinement effects. Unlike their plasmonic nanoparticle counterparts, these nonplasmonic Au NCs possess unique properties with significant potential for photosensitizer applications. While traditional and NC-based electrodes share architectural similarities, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) behavior of the latter diverges significantly. Sensitizing TiO2 with Au NCs introduces additional surface trap states. In contrast to conventional photosensitizers, where surface states typically have a negligible impact on hole transfer, these trap states actively mediate the charge transfer process in Au NC-sensitized TiO2 electrodes. In this study, we employed impedance spectroscopy to elucidate the role of surface trap states in photocurrent generation. Our investigation revealed that these states are critical in determining PEC performance, presenting a dichotomy: they facilitate charge transfer (enhancing PEC performance) while simultaneously promoting carrier recombination (limiting efficiency). We demonstrated that the judicious control of otherwise deleterious surface trap states can significantly boost photocurrent. Our findings highlight that the dual nature of surface trap states demands a comprehensive investigation to fully understand their intricate impact on PEC performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhaib Alam
- Nanosensor Research Institute, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Mohsin Ali
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Ho Bang
- Nanosensor Research Institute, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Center for Bionano Intelligence Education and Research, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, Republic of Korea
- Department of Chemical and Molecular Engineering, Hanyang University, 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, Republic of Korea
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Mai S, Sun J, Fang Z, Xiao GB, Cao J. Metal Clusters Based Multifunctional Materials for Solar Cells. Chemistry 2024:e202303973. [PMID: 38179822 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
As a multifunctional material, metal clusters have recently received some attention for their application in solar cells.This review delves into the multifaceted role of metal clusters in advancing solar cell technologies, covering diverse aspects from electron transport and interface modification to serving as molecular precursors for inorganic materials and acting as photosensitizers in metal-cluster sensitized solar cells (MCSSCs). The studies conducted by various researchers illustrate the crucial impact of metal clusters, such as gold nanoclusters (Au NCs), on enhancing solar cell efficiency through size-dependent effects, distinct interface behaviors, and tailored interface engineering. From optimizing charge transfer rates to improving light absorption and reducing carrier recombination, metal clusters prove instrumental in shaping the landscape of solar energy conversion.The promising performance of metal-cluster sensitized solar cells, coupled with their scalability and flexibility, positions them as a exciting avenue for future clean energy applications. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for continued interdisciplinary research and technological innovation to unlock the full potential of metal clusters in contributing to sustainable and high-performance solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Mai
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Zihan Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Guo-Bin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Nonferrous Metal Chemistry and Resources Utilization of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
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Yuan PX, Song SS, Zhan J, Chen C, Wang AJ, Feng JJ. Self-enhanced Electrochemiluminescence Luminophore Based on Pd Nanocluster-Anchored Metal Organic Frameworks via Ion Annihilation for Sensitive Cell Assay of Human Lung Cancer. Anal Chem 2023; 95:18572-18578. [PMID: 38064592 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c04423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has attracted significant interest in the analysis of cancer cells, where the ruthenium(II)-based emitter demonstrates urgency and feasibility to improve the ECL efficiency. In this work, the self-enhanced ECL luminophore was prepared by covalent anchoring of Pd nanoclusters on aminated metal organic frameworks (Pd NCs@MOFs), followed by linkage with bis(2,2'-bipyridine)-5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline ruthenium(II) (RuP). The resultant luminophore showed 214-fold self-magnification in the ECL efficiency over RuP alone, combined by promoting the interfacial photoelectron transfer. The enhanced mechanism through ion annihilation was critically proved by controlled experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Based on the above, a "signal off" ECL biosensor was built by assembly of tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK-7) aptamer (Apt) on the established sensing platform for analysis of human lung cancer cells (A549). The built sensor showed a lower detection limit of 8 cells mL-1, achieving the single-cell detection. This work reported a self-enhanced strategy for synthesis of advanced ECL emitters, combined by exploring the ECL biosensing devices in the single-cell analysis of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Xin Yuan
- Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Shu-Shu Song
- Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Jiale Zhan
- Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Can Chen
- Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Ai-Jun Wang
- Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Jiu-Ju Feng
- Key laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
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Liu XH, He Y, Li Z, Cheng AH, Song Z, Yu ZX, Chai S, Cheng C, He C. Size transformation of Au nanoclusters for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation: Interaction behavior at nanocluster/semiconductor interface. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 651:368-375. [PMID: 37544225 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Recently, atomically precise metal nanoclusters (NCs) become a new class of photosensitizer for light energy conversion in metal-cluster-sensitized semiconductor (MCSS) system. However, fundamental understanding for the suitable combination of NCs and semiconductor is still unclear. Aside from aspects of light harvesting, energy level alignment and catalytic activity, interfacial interaction behavior at NCs/semiconductor interface is also crucial due to its important influence in charge transportation. In this work, the interface interaction between Au NCs and TiO2 is examined by precise transformation of Au NCs from Au22(SG)18 to Au18(SG)14, as well as its effect on photocatalytic hydrogen production activity. From the optical, charge transport and solid-states spectroscopy analyses, it is able to display that precisely tuning the number of core atoms from Au22(SG)18 to Au18(SG)14 results in the strong interface interaction between Au NCs and TiO2, reflecting in high difference of work function and modified surface band bending of TiO2, therefore promoting the injection of electrons from NCs to TiO2 and reducing interfacial charges recombination. As a result, Au18(SG)14/TiO2 shows higher hydrogen generation rate than Au22(SG)18/TiO2 under light irradiation. This work would provide new insights into rational combination of metal NCs with semiconductor and highlights the overlooked effect of interfacial interaction behavior on light energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-He Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China; Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Yi He
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Ai-Hua Cheng
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Zhiqi Song
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Zhi-Xuan Yu
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, NY 10025, USA
| | - Shouning Chai
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.
| | - Cheng Cheng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China
| | - Chi He
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China; National Engineering Laboratory for VOCs Pollution Control Material and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China.
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Dhir A, Gogoi H, Datta A. Modulation of FRET efficiency by donor-acceptor ratio in co-condensed fluorophore-silica nanoconjugates. J INDIAN CHEM SOC 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2021.100067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Li Y, Cowan MJ, Zhou M, Luo TY, Song Y, Wang H, Rosi NL, Mpourmpakis G, Jin R. Atom-by-Atom Evolution of the Same Ligand-Protected Au 21, Au 22, Au 22Cd 1, and Au 24 Nanocluster Series. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:20426-20433. [PMID: 33170677 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c09110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Atom-by-atom manipulation on metal nanoclusters (NCs) has long been desired, as the resulting series of NCs can provide insightful understanding of how a single atom affects the structure and properties as well as the evolution with size. Here, we report crystallizations of Au22(SAdm)16 and Au22Cd1(SAdm)16 (SAdm = adamantanethiolate) which link up with Au21(SAdm)15 and Au24(SAdm)16 NCs and form an atom-by-atom evolving series protected by the same ligand. Structurally, Au22(SAdm)16 has an Au3(SAdm)4 surface motif which is longer than the Au2(SAdm)3 on Au21(SAdm)15, whereas Au22Cd1(SAdm)16 lacks one staple Au atom compared to Au24(SAdm)16 and thus the surface structure is reconstructed. A single Cd atom triggers the structural transition from Au22 with a 10-atom bioctahedral kernel to Au22Cd1 with a 13-atom cuboctahedral kernel, and correspondingly, the optical properties are dramatically changed. The photoexcited carrier lifetime demonstrates that the optical properties and excited state relaxation are highly sensitive at the single atom level. By contrast, little change in both ionization potential and electron affinity is found in this series of NCs by theoretical calculations, indicating the electronic properties are independent of adding a single atom in this series. The work provides a paradigm that the NCs with continuous metal atom numbers are accessible and crystallizable when meticulously designed, and the optical properties are more affected at the single atom level than the electronic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwei Li
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Michael J Cowan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Tian-Yi Luo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Yongbo Song
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - He Wang
- Department of Physics, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33146, United States
| | - Nathaniel L Rosi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Giannis Mpourmpakis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Rongchao Jin
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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Naveen MH, Khan R, Abbas MA, Cho E, Lee GJ, Kim H, Sim E, Bang JH. Modulation of the photoelectrochemical behavior of Au nanocluster-TiO 2 electrode by doping. Chem Sci 2020; 11:6248-6255. [PMID: 32953020 PMCID: PMC7473401 DOI: 10.1039/d0sc01220c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Optoelectronic properties of Au18(SR)14 are modulated by Ag doping, and its influence on photoelectrochemical performance is investigated. The best compromise for light conversion efficiency is made when a single Ag atom is incorporated.
Despite the successful debut of gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) in solar cell applications, Au NCs, compared to dyes and quantum dots, have several drawbacks, such as lower extinction coefficients. Any modulation of the physical properties of NCs can have a significant influence on the delicate control of absorbance, energy levels, and charge separation, which are essential to ensure high power conversion efficiency. To this end, we systematically alter the optoelectronic structure of Au18(SR)14 by Ag doping and explain its influence on solar cell performance. Our in-depth spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization combined with computational study reveals that the performance-dictating factors respond in different manners to the Ag doping level, and we determine that the best compromise is the incorporation of a single Ag atom into an Au NC. This new insight highlights the unique aspect of NCs—susceptibility to atomic level doping—and helps establish a new design principle for efficient NC-based solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malenahalli H Naveen
- Nanosensor Research Institute , Hanyang University , 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu , Ansan , Gyeonggi-do 15588 , Republic of Korea .
| | - Rizwan Khan
- Department of Bionano Technology , Hanyang University , Republic of Korea
| | - Muhammad A Abbas
- Nanosensor Research Institute , Hanyang University , 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu , Ansan , Gyeonggi-do 15588 , Republic of Korea .
| | - Eunbyol Cho
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea .
| | - Geun Jun Lee
- Department of Bionano Technology , Hanyang University , Republic of Korea
| | - Hahkjoon Kim
- Department of Chemistry , Duksung Women's University , Seoul 01369 , Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Sim
- Department of Chemistry , Yonsei University , Seoul 03722 , Republic of Korea .
| | - Jin Ho Bang
- Nanosensor Research Institute , Hanyang University , 55 Hanyangdaehak-ro, Sangnok-gu , Ansan , Gyeonggi-do 15588 , Republic of Korea . .,Department of Bionano Technology , Hanyang University , Republic of Korea.,Department of Chemical and Molecular Engineering , Department of Applied Chemistry , Hanyang University , Republic of Korea
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