1
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Seriani N, Delcompare-Rodriguez P, Pandey D, Adak AK, Mahamiya V, Pinilla C, El-Khozondar HJ. Quantitative Analysis of the Synergy of Doping and Nanostructuring of Oxide Photocatalysts. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:3460. [PMID: 39063753 PMCID: PMC11278242 DOI: 10.3390/ma17143460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
In this paper, the effect of doping and nanostructuring on the electrostatic potential across the electrochemical interface between a transition metal oxide and a water electrolyte is investigated by means of the Poisson-Boltzmann model. For spherical nanoparticles and nanorods, compact expressions for the limiting potentials at which the space charge layer includes the whole semiconductor are reported. We provide a quantitative analysis of the distribution of the potential drop between the solid and the liquid and show that the relative importance changes with doping. It is usually assumed that high doping improves charge dynamics in the semiconductor but reduces the width of the space charge layer. However, nanostructuring counterbalances the latter negative effect; we show quantitatively that in highly doped nanoparticles the space charge layer can occupy a similar volume fraction as in low-doped microparticles. Moreover, as shown by some recent experiments, under conditions of high doping the electric fields in the Helmholtz layer can be as high as 100 mV/Å, comparable to electric fields inducing freezing in water. This work provides a systematic quantitative framework for understanding the effects of doping and nanostructuring on electrochemical interfaces, and suggests that it is necessary to better characterize the interface at the atomistic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Seriani
- The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Strada Costiera 11, 34151 Trieste, Italy (A.K.A.)
| | - Paola Delcompare-Rodriguez
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR-IOM), Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Dhanshree Pandey
- The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Strada Costiera 11, 34151 Trieste, Italy (A.K.A.)
| | - Abhishek Kumar Adak
- The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Strada Costiera 11, 34151 Trieste, Italy (A.K.A.)
| | - Vikram Mahamiya
- The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Strada Costiera 11, 34151 Trieste, Italy (A.K.A.)
| | - Carlos Pinilla
- Departamento de Fisica y Geociencias, Universidad del Norte, Km 5, Via Puerto Colombia, Barranquilla 080020, Colombia
| | - Hala J. El-Khozondar
- Electrical Engineering and Smart Systems Department, Faculty of Engineering, Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza P.O. Box 108, Palestine
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2
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Liu T, Li W, Wang DZ, Luo T, Fei M, Shin D, Waegele MM, Wang D. Low Catalyst Loading Enhances Charge Accumulation for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307909. [PMID: 37382150 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307909] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Solar water oxidation is a critical step in artificial photosynthesis. Successful completion of the process requires four holes and releases four protons. It depends on the consecutive accumulation of charges at the active site. While recent research has shown an obvious dependence of the reaction kinetics on the hole concentrations on the surface of heterogeneous (photo)electrodes, little is known about how the catalyst density impacts the reaction rate. Using atomically dispersed Ir catalysts on hematite, we report a study on how the interplay between the catalyst density and the surface hole concentration influences the reaction kinetics. At low photon flux, where surface hole concentrations are low, faster charge transfer was observed on photoelectrodes with low catalyst density compared to high catalyst density; at high photon flux and high applied potentials, where surface hole concentrations are moderate or high, slower surface charge recombination was afforded by low-density catalysts. The results support that charge transfer between the light absorber and the catalyst is reversible; they reveal the unexpected benefits of low-density catalyst loading in facilitating forward charge transfer for desired chemical reactions. It is implied that for practical solar water splitting devices, a suitable catalyst loading is important for maximized performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianying Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - David Z Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Tongtong Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Muchun Fei
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Dongyoon Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Matthias M Waegele
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
| | - Dunwei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, USA
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3
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Liu K, Zhang B, Zhang J, Lin W, Wang J, Xu Y, Xiang Y, Hisatomi T, Domen K, Ma G. Synthesis of Narrow-Band-Gap GaN:ZnO Solid Solution for Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting. ACS Catal 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c04361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwei Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, P. R. China
| | - Boyang Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, P. R. China
| | - Jifang Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, P. R. China
| | - Wenrui Lin
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, P. R. China
| | - Jiaming Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, P. R. China
| | - Yao Xu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, P. R. China
| | - Yao Xiang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, P. R. China
| | - Takashi Hisatomi
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials (RISM), Shinshu University, 4-17-1 Wakasato, Nagano-shi, Nagano380-8553, Japan
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-17-1 Wakasato, Nagano-shi, Nagano380-8553, Japan
| | - Kazunari Domen
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials (RISM), Shinshu University, 4-17-1 Wakasato, Nagano-shi, Nagano380-8553, Japan
- Office of University Professors, The University of Tokyo, 2-11-16 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo113-8656, Japan
| | - Guijun Ma
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, P. R. China
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4
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Lin W, Zhang B, Liu K, Zhang J, Wang J, Ma G. Facet Engineering on WO
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Mono‐Particle‐Layer Electrode for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202201169. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202201169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Lin
- School of Physical Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai 201210 P. R. China
| | - Boyang Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai 201210 P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - Kaiwei Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai 201210 P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - Jifang Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai 201210 P. R. China
| | - Jiaming Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai 201210 P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 P. R. China
| | - Guijun Ma
- School of Physical Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai 201210 P. R. China
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5
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Zhang J, Wang J, Tang Y, Liu K, Zhang B, Ma G. Insight into the Light-Driven Hydrogen Production over Pure and Rh-Doped Rutile in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid: Impact of Interfacial Chemistry on Photocatalysts. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:34656-34664. [PMID: 35860844 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c06302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The surface states of a semiconductor photocatalyst are essential for interfacial charge transfer in heterogeneous photocatalytic reactions. Here, we report that the light-driven hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity of 0.5 mol % Rh-doped rutile increases by more than 30 times compared with that of rutile when ascorbic acid is used as a sacrificial agent. Intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy and surface photovoltage spectroscopy are employed to reveal the impact of surface states on the photo-oxidation reactions. It is found that the adsorption of ascorbic acid molecules dramatically reduces the activity of rutile due to coverage of the HER-active Ti sites. Nevertheless, for Rh-doped rutile, ascorbic acid neutralizes the Rh(IV) sites that would otherwise cause severe recombination of electron-hole pairs and resurrects its photocatalytic performance. This work demonstrates the key role of interfacial chemistry in photocatalytic reactions and provides a strategy for excavating the potential of various photocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifang Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaming Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Yecheng Tang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaiwei Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Boyang Zhang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Guijun Ma
- School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, People's Republic of China
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6
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Gau D, Ramírez D, Iikawa F, Riveros G, Díaz P, Verdugo J, Núñez G, Lizama S, Lazo P, Dalchiele EA, Contreras L, Idigoras J, Anta J, Marotti RE. Photophysical and photoelectrochemical properties of CsPbBr3 films grown by an electrochemically assisted deposition. Chemphyschem 2022; 23:e202200286. [PMID: 35759412 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202200286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Perovskite have had a great impact on the solid-state physics world in the last decade not only achieving great success in photovoltaics but, more recently, also in the implementation of other optoelectronic devices. One of the main obstacles for the adoption of Pb-based perovskite technologies are the high amounts of Pb needed in the conventional preparation methods. Here we present for the first time a detailed analysis of the photophysical and photoelectrochemical properties of CsPbBr3 films directly grown on FTO coated glass through a novel technique based in the electrodeposition of PbO2 as CsPbBr3 precursor. This technique allows to save up to 90 % of the Pb used compared to traditional methods and can be scalable compared with the commonly used spin-coating process. The low temperature analysis of their photoluminescence spectra, performed in both steady state and time dependence, revealed a strong interaction between electrons and longitudinal optical phonons dominant at high temperatures. On the other hand, the electrochemical and photoelectrochemical analysis proves that CsPbBr3 prepared using this new method has state-of-the-art features, showing a p-type behavior under depletion regime. This is also confirmed by photoelectrochemical measurements using p-benzoquinone as target molecule. These results prove that the proposed method can be used to produce excellent CsPbBr3 films, saving much of the lead waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gau
- Universidad de la Republica Facultad de Ingenieria, Physics, Julio Herrera y Reissig 565, 11300, Montevideo, URUGUAY
| | - Daniel Ramírez
- Universidad de Valparaiso, Instituto de Química, Avenida Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile, 2362735, Valparaíso, CHILE
| | - Fernando Iikawa
- State University of Campinas: Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Institute of Physics "Gleb Wataghin", 13083-859 Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, 13083-872, Campinas, BRAZIL
| | - Gonzalo Riveros
- Universidad de Valparaiso, bInstituto de Química y Bioquímica, Avenida Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile, 2362735, Valparaíso, CHILE
| | - Patricia Díaz
- Universidad de Valparaiso, Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Avenida Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile, 2362735, Valparaíso, CHILE
| | - Javier Verdugo
- Universidad de Valparaiso, Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Avenida Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile, 2362735, Valparaíso, CHILE
| | - Gerard Núñez
- Universidad de Valparaiso, Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Avenida Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile, 2362735, Valparaíso, CHILE
| | - Susy Lizama
- Universidad de Valparaiso, Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Avenida, Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile, 2362735, Valparaíso, CHILE
| | - Pamela Lazo
- Universidad de Valparaiso, Instituto de Química y Bioquímica, Avenida Gran Bretaña 1111, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile, 2362735, Valparaíso, CHILE
| | - Enrique A Dalchiele
- Universidad de la Republica Uruguay, Instituto de Física - Facultad de Ingeniería, Herrera y Reissig 565, Montevideo, Uruguay, 11300, Montevideo, URUGUAY
| | - Lidia Contreras
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Área de Química Física, Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, E-41013, Sevilla, Spain, 41013, Sevilla, SPAIN
| | - Jesús Idigoras
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Área de Química Física, Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, E-41013, Sevilla, Spain, 41013, Sevilla, SPAIN
| | - Juan Anta
- Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Área de Química Física, Departamento de Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y, Naturales, E-41013, Sevilla, Spain, 41013, Sevilla, SPAIN
| | - Ricardo E Marotti
- Universidad de la Republica Uruguay, Institutod de Física, Facultad de Ingeniería, Herrera y Reissig 565, Montevideo, Uruguay, 11000, Montevideo, URUGUAY
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7
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Zhang J, Lin Q, Wang Z, Liu H, Li X, Zhang Y. Identifying Water Oxidation Mechanisms at Pure and Titanium-Doped Hematite-Based Photoanodes with Spectroelectrochemistry. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:e2100976. [PMID: 34928039 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202100976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Investigation of the mechanism of the water oxidation reaction for hematite photoanodes has been one of the most persistently pursued topics in the course of understanding photoelectrochemical water splitting by transition metal oxides. Unfortunately, existing experimental techniques often require over-simplified models and theories that assume only one reaction path. In this work, however, it is proposed that water oxidation on hematite can proceed via mixed reaction paths according to spectroelectrochemical results without a priori assumptions. The true absorption signals of surface states responsible for water oxidation are isolated from subsidiary signals for undoped and Ti-doped hematite and contrasted with those of inactive species. The evolution of absorption signals as a function of applied potential and illumination intensity highlights the non-negligible contribution of direct hole transfer, especially for highly doped hematite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Qiyuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Zhenlei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Haowen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Xuanzhang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Yuegang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Low-Dimensional Quantum Physics and Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
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8
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Metastable-phase β-Fe2O3 photoanodes for solar water splitting with durability exceeding 100 h. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1872-2067(21)63822-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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9
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Waehayee A, Pongsawakul C, Ngoipala A, Phonsuksawang P, Jiamprasertboon A, Wannapaiboon S, Nakajima H, Butburee T, Suthirakun S, Siritanon T. Promoting superoxide generation in Bi 2WO 6 by less electronegative substitution for enhanced photocatalytic performance: an example of Te doping. Catal Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cy00739d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Doping with elements with lower electronegativity, like Te, shifts the band potentials of Bi2WO6 to the point that superoxide radical generation is feasible. As a result, an optimum of 2.5 at% Te doping improves the activity of Bi2WO6 by 48 times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurak Waehayee
- School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
- Institute of Research and Development, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
| | - Chawit Pongsawakul
- School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
| | - Apinya Ngoipala
- School of Physics, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
| | - Praphaiphon Phonsuksawang
- School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
- Institute of Research and Development, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
| | - Arreerat Jiamprasertboon
- School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
- Institute of Research and Development, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
| | - Suttipong Wannapaiboon
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Hideki Nakajima
- Synchrotron Light Research Institute, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
| | - Teera Butburee
- National Nanotechnology Center, National Science and Technology Development Agency, 111 Thailand Science Park, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
- Research Network NANOTEC – SUT on Advanced Nanomaterials and Characterization, School of chemistry, Suranaree University of Technology, 30000, Thailand
| | - Suwit Suthirakun
- School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
- Research Network NANOTEC – SUT on Advanced Nanomaterials and Characterization, School of chemistry, Suranaree University of Technology, 30000, Thailand
| | - Theeranun Siritanon
- School of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Muang, 30000, Thailand
- Research Network NANOTEC – SUT on Advanced Nanomaterials and Characterization, School of chemistry, Suranaree University of Technology, 30000, Thailand
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10
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Photosensitive Thin Films Based on Drop Cast and Langmuir-Blodgett Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic CdS Nanoparticles. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10122437. [PMID: 33291512 PMCID: PMC7762191 DOI: 10.3390/nano10122437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Comparative photoelectrochemical studies of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles with either hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface properties are presented. Oleylamine organic shells provided CdS nanoparticles with hydrophobic behavior, affecting the photoelectrochemical properties of such nanostructured semiconductor. Hydrophilic CdS nanoparticles were drop-cast on the electrode, whereas the hydrophobic ones were transferred in a controlled manner with Langmuir-Blodgett technique. The substantial hindrance of photopotential and photocurrent was observed for L-B CdS films as compared to the hydrophilic, uncoated nanoparticles that were drop-cast directly on the electrode surface. The electron lifetime in both hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanocrystalline CdS was determined, revealing longer carrier lifetime for oleylamine coated CdS nanoparticles, ascribed to the trapping of charge at the interface of the organic shell/CdS nanoparticle and to the dominant influence of the resistance of the organic shell against the flux of charges. The “on” transients of the photocurrent responses, observed only for the oleylamine-coated nanoparticles, were resolved, yielding the potential-dependent rate constants of the redox processes occurring at the interface.
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11
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Guo Q, Luo H, Zhang J, Ruan Q, Prakash Periasamy A, Fang Y, Xie Z, Li X, Wang X, Tang J, Briscoe J, Titirici M, Jorge AB. The role of carbon dots - derived underlayer in hematite photoanodes. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:20220-20229. [PMID: 33000831 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr06139e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hematite is a promising candidate as photoanode for solar-driven water splitting, with a theoretically predicted maximum solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of ∼16%. However, the interfacial charge transfer and recombination greatly limits its activity for photoelectrochemical water splitting. Carbon dots exhibit great potential in photoelectrochemical water splitting for solar to hydrogen conversion as photosensitisers and co-catalysts. Here we developed a novel carbon underlayer from low-cost and environmental-friendly carbon dots through a facile hydrothermal process, introduced between the fluorine-doped tin oxide conducting substrate and hematite photoanodes. This led to a remarkable enhancement in the photocurrent density. Owing to the triple functional role of carbon dots underlayer in improving the interfacial properties of FTO/hematite and providing carbon source for the overlayer as well as the change in the iron oxidation state, the bulk and interfacial charge transfer dynamics of hematite are significantly enhanced, and consequently led to a remarkable enhancement in the photocurrent density. The results revealed a substantial improvement in the charge transfer rate, yielding a charge transfer efficiency of up to 80% at 1.25 V vs. RHE. In addition, a significant enhancement in the lifetime of photogenerated electrons and an increased carrier density were observed for the hematite photoanodes modified with a carbon underlayer, confirming that the use of sustainable carbon nanomaterials is an effective strategy to boost the photoelectrochemical performance of semiconductors for energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Guo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, E1 4NS, London, UK.
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Jifang Zhang
- Tsinghua-Foxconn Nanoscience Research Center, Department of Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Qiushi Ruan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, WC1E 7JE, London, UK
| | - Arun Prakash Periasamy
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, E1 4NS, London, UK.
| | - Yuanxing Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
| | - Zailai Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
| | - Xuanhua Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, P. R. China
| | - Xinchen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, P. R. China
| | - Junwang Tang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, WC1E 7JE, London, UK
| | - Joe Briscoe
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, E1 4NS, London, UK.
| | - Magdalena Titirici
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, London, UK
| | - Ana Belen Jorge
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, E1 4NS, London, UK.
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12
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Mesa CA, Steier L, Moss B, Francàs L, Thorne JE, Grätzel M, Durrant JR. Impact of the Synthesis Route on the Water Oxidation Kinetics of Hematite Photoanodes. J Phys Chem Lett 2020; 11:7285-7290. [PMID: 32787321 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c02004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Operando spectroelectrochemical analysis is used to determine the water oxidation reaction kinetics for hematite photoanodes prepared using four different synthetic procedures. While these photoanodes exhibit very different current/voltage performance, their underlying water oxidation kinetics are found to be almost invariant. Higher temperature thermal annealing was found to correlate with a shift in the photocurrent onset potential toward less positive potentials, assigned to a suppression of both back electron-hole recombination and of charge accumulation in intra-bandgap states, indicating these intra-bandgap states do not contribute directly to water oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo A Mesa
- Molecular Sciences Research Hub and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ludmilla Steier
- Molecular Sciences Research Hub and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Moss
- Molecular Sciences Research Hub and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Laia Francàs
- Molecular Sciences Research Hub and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - James E Thorne
- Molecular Sciences Research Hub and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Grätzel
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Station 6, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - James R Durrant
- Molecular Sciences Research Hub and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
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13
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Wang H, Xia Y, Li H, Wang X, Yu Y, Jiao X, Chen D. Highly active deficient ternary sulfide photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3078. [PMID: 32555382 PMCID: PMC7299993 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16800-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The exploration of photoanode materials with high efficiency and stability is the eternal pursuit for the realization of practically solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Here we develop a deficient ternary metal sulfide (CdIn2S4) photoanode, and its PEC performance is significantly enhanced by introducing surface sulfur vacancies, achieving a photocurrent density of 5.73 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE and 1 Sun with an applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of 2.49% at 0.477 V vs. RHE. The experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations highlight the enhanced effect of surface sulfur vacancies on the interfacial charge separation and transfer kinetics, which also demonstrate the restrained surface states distribution and the transformation of active sites after introducing surface sulfur vacancies. This work may inspire more excellent work on developing sulfide-based photoanodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimei Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuguo Xia
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Haiping Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuan Yu
- School of Microelectronics, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiuling Jiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Colloidal Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dairong Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, 250100, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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14
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Bedin KC, Muche DNF, Melo MA, Freitas ALM, Gonçalves RV, Souza FL. Role of Cocatalysts on Hematite Photoanodes in Photoelectrocatalytic Water Splitting: Challenges and Future Perspectives. ChemCatChem 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202000143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen C. Bedin
- Laboratory of Alternative Energy and Nanomaterials – LEANFederal University of ABC (UFABC) Avenida dos Estados 5001 09210-580 Santo André, SP Brazil
| | - Dereck N. F. Muche
- Laboratory of Alternative Energy and Nanomaterials – LEANFederal University of ABC (UFABC) Avenida dos Estados 5001 09210-580 Santo André, SP Brazil
| | - Mauricio A. Melo
- São Carlos Institute of Physics – IFSCUniversity of São Paulo (USP) Avenida Trabalhador São Carlense 400 PO Box 369 13560-970 São Carlos, SP Brazil
| | - Andre L. M. Freitas
- Laboratory of Alternative Energy and Nanomaterials – LEANFederal University of ABC (UFABC) Avenida dos Estados 5001 09210-580 Santo André, SP Brazil
| | - Renato V. Gonçalves
- São Carlos Institute of Physics – IFSCUniversity of São Paulo (USP) Avenida Trabalhador São Carlense 400 PO Box 369 13560-970 São Carlos, SP Brazil
| | - Flavio L. Souza
- Laboratory of Alternative Energy and Nanomaterials – LEANFederal University of ABC (UFABC) Avenida dos Estados 5001 09210-580 Santo André, SP Brazil
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15
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Zhang S, Zhang Z, Leng W. Understanding the enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation over Ti-doped α-Fe 2O 3 electrodes by electrochemical reduction pretreatment. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:7835-7843. [PMID: 32227037 DOI: 10.1039/c9cp06138j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Water splitting using semiconductor photoelectrodes is a promising approach to solar hydrogen production. Previous studies have well-demonstrated that electrochemical reduction (ER) pretreatment of bare and Ti-doped α-Fe2O3 electrodes enhances water photooxidation efficiencies, however, the mechanism underlying this improvement remains poorly understood. In this study, this was quantitatively investigated by multiple photoelectrochemical techniques and transient absorption spectroscopy, using the doped electrodes as examples. The results reveal that the kinetics of photoholes after moving to the electrode surface can be well described by a model of surface-state mediated charge transfer and recombination. The reason for the photocurrent enhancement is attributed to a significantly increased charge transfer rate constant (kct) and a decreased surface recombination rate constant (ksr) by ER. The reason for the accelerated kct is that a new type of surface state, with a favorable energy position for water oxidation, is produced. The decreased ksr is due to the reduced electron density at the surface of the semiconductor, resulted predominately from the negatively shifted flat band potential. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of water photooxidation and enlighten a simple way to develop more efficient electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufeng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Yuquan Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China.
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Yuquan Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China.
| | - Wenhua Leng
- Department of Chemistry, Yuquan Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310027, China.
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16
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Kinetic analysis of the synergistic effect of NaBH4 treatment and Co-Pi coating on Fe2O3 photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. J Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcat.2019.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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17
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Zhou Z, Wu S, Xiao C, Li L, Shao W, Ding H, Wen L, Li X. Self-improvement of solar water oxidation for the continuously-irradiated hematite photoanode. Dalton Trans 2019; 48:15151-15159. [PMID: 31565712 DOI: 10.1039/c9dt03368h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Improving bulk- or surface-properties has been found as an effective route to regulate and enhance the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances of some metal-oxide photoelectrodes. However, both bulk and surface self-improvement resulting from the photocharging (PC) effect is rarely reported and as a result the underlying mechanism of the PC effect is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that the hematite photoanode integrated with Sn doping and a TiO2 underlayer shows a substantial increase in the photocurrent density (i.e., from 0.69 to 1.12 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V relative to the standard hydrogen electrode) and a cathodic shift of the onset potential after being irradiated by a one-sun simulator for 12 h. The primary reasons for these can be categorized into two fundamental factors: (1) the enhanced bulk conductivity and the resulting decrease in carrier bulk recombination from the gradually increasing ratio of Fe2+ and Fe3+; (2) the reduced carrier surface recombination from the photogenerated passivation layer. Ultimately, both the bulk and surface electrical properties of the hematite photoanode are substantially self-improved under continuous irradiation. This work deepens the understanding of the PC effect and proves that it is a promising technique for the PEC-performance enhancement of the hematite photoanode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyuan Zhou
- School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China.
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18
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Zhou Z, Wu S, Li L, Li L, Li X. Regulating the Silicon/Hematite Microwire Photoanode by the Conformal Al 2O 3 Intermediate Layer for Water Splitting. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:5978-5988. [PMID: 30657304 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b18681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Dual-absorber photoelectrodes have been proved to possess greater potential than the single-absorber systems in the applications of photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells (e.g., solar-driven water splitting); however, the mismatching of the energy bands and substantial carrier recombinations at the two absorber interfaces are normally subsistent. Here, we introduce an intermediate layer of conformal Al2O3 into the silicon/hematite (Si/α-Fe2O3) microwire photoanode for enriching the understanding of the interaction among the interlayer, inner absorber, and outer absorber. Our results show that the Si/Al2O3/α-Fe2O3 microwire photoanode with the thickness-optimized Al2O3 can lead to a substantial increase in the photocurrent from 0.83 to 2.08 mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE (under 1 sun irradiation) and an obvious decrease in the onset potential relative to the counterpart without Al2O3. By analyzing the PEC responses under various monochromatic lights, PEC impedance spectroscopy, and intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy, we ascribe the improvements to the fact that the suitable-thickness Al2O3 can passivate the Si microwire surfaces and the bottom surfaces of the α-Fe2O3 film and give rise to Al doping into the post-synthesized α-Fe2O3. These essential causes promote the carrier separation in α-Fe2O3, diminish the photoanode surface recombination rate, and then increase the surface charge-transfer efficiency.
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19
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Elucidation of the structural and charge separation properties of titanium-doped hematite films deposited by electrospray method for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. Electrochim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2018.11.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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20
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Xu S, Li SP, Wang T, Wang CF. Effect of Surface Ionization of Doped MnO 2 on Capacitive Deionization Efficiency. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:628-640. [PMID: 30607960 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Associating MnO2 with carbonaceous supports profoundly enhances capacitive deionization (CDI) efficiency. A fundamental question of how the surface chemistry of MnO2 itself influences CDI efficiency is not yet fully understood. In this study, the effect of surface ionization on the CDI efficiencies of Fe-, Co-, and Ni-doped α-MnO2 (<0.1 mol %) as a model cathode material was studied. A pattern that CDI efficiency decreased with increasing negative surface charge density resulting from surface deprotonation was noted. This is likely attributed to the appreciable co-ion expulsion occurring at a highly ionized surface in the mesopores of MnO2. It is thus concluded that the combination of surface charge modification and a microporous environment would be important for CDI efficiency enhancement by minimizing co-ion exclusion effect. In the former case, structural stress adjustment by doping elements would be a practical route to regulate the p Ka1 and p Ka2 values and consequently the degree of surface ionization of MnO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Xu
- School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering , Xiamen University of Technology , Xiamen 361024 , P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences , National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu 300 , Taiwan
| | - Shu-Pin Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences , National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu 300 , Taiwan
| | - TsingHai Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science , Yuan Ze University , Zhongli 320 , Taiwan
| | - Chu-Fang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences , National Tsing Hua University , Hsinchu 300 , Taiwan
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21
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Understanding the role of nanostructuring in photoelectrode performance for light-driven water splitting. J Electroanal Chem (Lausanne) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelechem.2017.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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22
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Butburee T, Bai Y, Wang H, Chen H, Wang Z, Liu G, Zou J, Khemthong P, Lu GQM, Wang L. 2D Porous TiO 2 Single-Crystalline Nanostructure Demonstrating High Photo-Electrochemical Water Splitting Performance. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1705666. [PMID: 29659100 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201705666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Porous single crystals are promising candidates for solar fuel production owing to their long range charge diffusion length, structural coherence, and sufficient reactive sites. Here, a simple template-free method of growing a selectively branched, 2D anatase TiO2 porous single crystalline nanostructure (PSN) on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrate is demonstrated. An innovative ion exchange-induced pore-forming process is designed to successfully create high porosity in the single-crystalline nanostructure with retention of excellent charge mobility and no detriment to crystal structure. PSN TiO2 film delivers a photocurrent of 1.02 mA cm-2 at a very low potential of 0.4 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) for photo-electrochemical water splitting, closing to the theoretical value of TiO2 (1.12 mA cm-2 ). Moreover, the current-potential curve featuring a small potential window from 0.1 to 0.4 V versus RHE under one-sun illumination has a near-ideal shape predicted by the Gartner Model, revealing that the charge separation and surface reaction on the PSN TiO2 photoanode are very efficient. The photo-electrochemical water splitting performance of the films indicates that the ion exchange-assisted synthesis strategy is effective in creating large surface area and single-crystalline porous photoelectrodes for efficient solar energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teera Butburee
- Nanomaterials Centre, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Yang Bai
- Nanomaterials Centre, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Huanjun Wang
- Nanomaterials Centre, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Hongjun Chen
- Nanomaterials Centre, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Zhiliang Wang
- Nanomaterials Centre, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Gang Liu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 72 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Jin Zou
- Materials Engineering and Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Pongtanawat Khemthong
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
| | | | - Lianzhou Wang
- Nanomaterials Centre, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
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