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Dey A, Silveira VR, Vadell RB, Lindblad A, Lindblad R, Shtender V, Görlin M, Sá J. Exploiting hot electrons from a plasmon nanohybrid system for the photoelectroreduction of CO 2. Commun Chem 2024; 7:59. [PMID: 38509134 PMCID: PMC10954701 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01149-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmonic materials convert light into hot carriers and heat to mediate catalytic transformation. The participation of hot carriers (photocatalysis) remains a subject of vigorous debate, often argued on the basis that carriers have ultrashort lifetime incompatible with drive photochemical processes. This study utilises plasmon hot electrons directly in the photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO via a Ppasmonic nanohybrid. Through the deliberate construction of a plasmonic nanohybrid system comprising NiO/Au/ReI(phen-NH2)(CO)3Cl (phen-NH2 = 1,10-Phenanthrolin-5-amine) that is unstable above 580 K; it was possible to demonstrate hot electrons are the main culprit in CO2 reduction. The engagement of hot electrons in the catalytic process is derived from many approaches that cover the processes in real-time, from ultrafast charge generation and separation to catalysis occurring on the minute scale. Unbiased in situ FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the stepwise reduction of the catalytic system. This, coupled with the low thermal stability of the ReI(phen-NH2)(CO)3Cl complex, explicitly establishes plasmonic hot carriers as the primary contributors to the process. Therefore, mediating catalytic reactions by plasmon hot carriers is feasible and holds promise for further exploration. Plasmonic nanohybrid systems can leverage plasmon's unique photophysics and capabilities because they expedite the carrier's lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananta Dey
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry division, Uppsala University, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vitor R Silveira
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry division, Uppsala University, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Bericat Vadell
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry division, Uppsala University, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lindblad
- Department of Physics, Division of X-ray Photon Science, Uppsala University, 751 21, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Rebecka Lindblad
- Department of Physics, Division of X-ray Photon Science, Uppsala University, 751 21, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vitalii Shtender
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Division of Applied Materials Science, Uppsala University, 75103, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mikaela Görlin
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Structural Chemistry division, Uppsala University, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacinto Sá
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry division, Uppsala University, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Marcina Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224, Warsaw, Poland.
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Dey A, Mendalz A, Wach A, Vadell RB, Silveira VR, Leidinger PM, Huthwelker T, Shtender V, Novotny Z, Artiglia L, Sá J. Hydrogen evolution with hot electrons on a plasmonic-molecular catalyst hybrid system. Nat Commun 2024; 15:445. [PMID: 38200016 PMCID: PMC10781775 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmonic systems convert light into electrical charges and heat, mediating catalytic transformations. However, there is ongoing controversy regarding the involvement of hot carriers in the catalytic process. In this study, we demonstrate the direct utilisation of plasmon hot electrons in the hydrogen evolution reaction with visible light. We intentionally assemble a plasmonic nanohybrid system comprising NiO/Au/[Co(1,10-Phenanthrolin-5-amine)2(H2O)2], which is unstable at water thermolysis temperatures. This assembly limits the plasmon thermal contribution while ensuring that hot carriers are the primary contributors to the catalytic process. By combining photoelectrocatalysis with advanced in situ spectroscopies, we can substantiate a reaction mechanism in which plasmon-induced hot electrons play a crucial role. These plasmonic hot electrons are directed into phenanthroline ligands, facilitating the rapid, concerted proton-electron transfer steps essential for hydrogen generation. The catalytic response to light modulation aligns with the distinctive profile of a hot carrier-mediated process, featuring a positive, though non-essential, heat contribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananta Dey
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry division, Uppsala University, Box 532, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amal Mendalz
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry division, Uppsala University, Box 532, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Wach
- Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
- SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Robert Bericat Vadell
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry division, Uppsala University, Box 532, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vitor R Silveira
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry division, Uppsala University, Box 532, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Vitalii Shtender
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, division of Applied Materials Science, Uppsala University, 75103, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zbynek Novotny
- Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Luca Artiglia
- Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232, Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Jacinto Sá
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry division, Uppsala University, Box 532, 751 20, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Marcina Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224, Warsaw, Poland.
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Zou X, Bericat Vadell R, Cai B, Geng X, Dey A, Liu Y, Gudmundsson A, Meng J, Sá J. Ultrafast Infrared-to-Visible Photon Upconversion on Plasmon/TiO 2 Solid Films. J Phys Chem Lett 2023:6255-6262. [PMID: 37390337 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c01208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Optical upconversion via a multiphoton absorption process converts incoherent low-energy photons to shorter wavelengths. In this contribution, we report a solid-state thin film for infrared-to-visible upconversion composed of plasmonic/TiO2 interfaces. When excited at λ = 800 nm, three photons are absorbed, leading to the excitation of TiO2 trap states into an emissive state in the visible domain. The plasmonic nanoparticle enhances the light absorption capabilities of the semiconductor, increasing emission efficiency by 20 times. We demonstrate that the plasmonic nanoparticle only changes the optical absorption of the semiconductor; i.e., the process is purely photonic. The process occurs in the ultrafast domain (<10 ps), contrasting with molecular triplet-triplet exciton annihilation, the commonly used method in photon upconversion, in the nano- to microsecond time scales. The process utilizes pre-existing trap states within the semiconductor bandgap and involves three-photon absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianshao Zou
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, People's Republic of China
- Physical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Bericat Vadell
- Physical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bin Cai
- Physical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xinjian Geng
- Physical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ananta Dey
- Physical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yawen Liu
- Physical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Axel Gudmundsson
- Physical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jie Meng
- Division of Chemical Physics, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jacinto Sá
- Physical Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 523, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
- Peafowl Plasmonics AB, Uppsala 756 51, Sweden
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Marcina Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
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Clarizia L, Vitiello G, Bericat Vadell R, Sá J, Marotta R, Di Somma I, Andreozzi R, Luciani G. Effect of Synthesis Method on Reaction Mechanism for Hydrogen Evolution over Cu xO y/TiO 2 Photocatalysts: A Kinetic Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2004. [PMID: 36768327 PMCID: PMC9916258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The existing literature survey reports rare and conflicting studies on the effect of the preparation method of metal-based semiconductor photocatalysts on structural/morphological features, electronic properties, and kinetics regulating the photocatalytic H2 generation reaction. In this investigation, we compare the different copper/titania-based photocatalysts for H2 generation synthesized via distinct methods (i.e., photodeposition and impregnation). Our study aims to establish a stringent correlation between physicochemical/electronic properties and photocatalytic performances for H2 generation based on material characterization and kinetic modeling of the experimental outcomes. Estimating unknown kinetic parameters, such as charge recombination rate and quantum yield, suggests a mechanism regulating charge carrier lifetime depending on copper distribution on the TiO2 surface. We demonstrate that H2 generation photoefficiency recorded over impregnated CuxOy/TiO2 is related to an even distribution of Cu(0)/Cu(I) on TiO2, and the formation of an Ohmic junction concertedly extended charge carrier lifetime and separation. The outcomes of the kinetic analysis and the related modeling investigation underpin photocatalyst physicochemical and electronic properties. Overall, the present study lays the groundwork for the future design of metal-based semiconductor photocatalysts with high photoefficiencies for H2 evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Clarizia
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitiello
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
- CSGI, Center for Colloid and Interface Science, via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Robert Bericat Vadell
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry Division, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 532, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacinto Sá
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström, Physical Chemistry Division, Uppsala University, P.O. Box 532, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Raffaele Marotta
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Somma
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie per l’Energia e la Mobilità Sostenibili (STEMS)-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Andreozzi
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Luciani
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Industrial Production Engineering, University of Naples “Federico II”, p.le V. Tecchio 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
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Geng X, Abdellah M, Bericat Vadell R, Folkenant M, Edvinsson T, Sá J. Direct Plasmonic Solar Cell Efficiency Dependence on Spiro-OMeTAD Li-TFSI Content. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:nano11123329. [PMID: 34947678 PMCID: PMC8708565 DOI: 10.3390/nano11123329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The proliferation of the internet of things (IoT) and other low-power devices demands the development of energy harvesting solutions to alleviate IoT hardware dependence on single-use batteries, making their deployment more sustainable. The propagation of energy harvesting solutions is strongly associated with technical performance, cost and aesthetics, with the latter often being the driver of adoption. The general abundance of light in the vicinity of IoT devices under their main operation window enables the use of indoor and outdoor photovoltaics as energy harvesters. From those, highly transparent solar cells allow an increased possibility to place a sustainable power source close to the sensors without significant visual appearance. Herein, we report the effect of hole transport layer Li-TFSI dopant content on semi-transparent, direct plasmonic solar cells (DPSC) with a transparency of more than 80% in the 450-800 nm region. The findings revealed that the amount of oxidized spiro-OMeTAD (spiro+TFSI-) significantly modulates the transparency, effective conductance and conditions of device performance, with an optimal performance reached at around 33% relative concentration of Li-TFSI concerning spiro-OMeTAD. The Li-TFSI content did not affect the immediate charge extraction, as revealed by an analysis of electron-phonon lifetime. Hot electrons and holes were injected into the respective layers within 150 fs, suggesting simultaneous injection, as supported by the absence of hysteresis in the I-V curves. The spiro-OMeTAD layer reduces the Au nanoparticles' reflection/backscattering, which improves the overall cell transparency. The results show that the system can be made highly transparent by precise tuning of the doping level of the spiro-OMeTAD layer with retained plasmonics, large optical cross-sections and the ultrathin nature of the devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjian Geng
- Department of Chemistry—Angstrom, Uppsala University, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden; (X.G.); (R.B.V.)
| | - Mohamed Abdellah
- R&D Division, Peafowl Solar Power AB, 756 43 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.A.); (M.F.)
- Department of Chemistry, Qena Faculty of Science, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Robert Bericat Vadell
- Department of Chemistry—Angstrom, Uppsala University, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden; (X.G.); (R.B.V.)
| | - Matilda Folkenant
- R&D Division, Peafowl Solar Power AB, 756 43 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.A.); (M.F.)
| | - Tomas Edvinsson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering—Solid State Physics, Uppsala University, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Jacinto Sá
- Department of Chemistry—Angstrom, Uppsala University, 751 20 Uppsala, Sweden; (X.G.); (R.B.V.)
- R&D Division, Peafowl Solar Power AB, 756 43 Uppsala, Sweden; (M.A.); (M.F.)
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF-PAN), 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-18-471-6806
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