Perovskite Oxide Based Electrodes for High-Performance Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Complex Metal Oxides as Emerging Inorganic Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved revolutionary progress during the past decades with a rapidly boosting rate in power conversion efficiencies from 3.8% to 26.1%. However, high-efficiency PSCs with organic hole-transporting materials (HTMs) suffer from inferior long-term stability and high costs. The replacement of organic HTMs with inorganic counterparts such as metal oxides can solve the above-mentioned problems to realize highly robust and cost-effective PSCs. Nevertheless, the widely used simple metal oxide-based HTMs are limited by the low conductivity and poor light transmittance due to the fixed atomic environment. As an emerging family of inorganic HTMs, complex metal oxides with superior structural/compositional flexibility have attracted rapidly increasing interest recently, showing superior carrier conductivity/mobility and superb light transmittance. Herein, the recent advancements in the design and development of complex metal oxide-based HTMs for high-performance PSCs are summarized by emphasizing the superiority of complex metal oxides as HTMs over simple metal oxide-based counterparts. Consequently, several distinct strategies for the design of complex metal oxide-based HTMs are proposed. Last, the future directions and remaining challenges of inorganic complex metal oxide-based HTMs for PSCs are also presented. This review aims to provide valuable guidelines for the further advancements of robust, high-efficiency, and low-cost PSCs.

Advances in the structural engineering of layered bismuth-based semiconductors for visible light-driven photocatalytic water splitting

Hydrogen production via the photocatalytic water splitting reaction on semiconductors presents a promising avenue to directly achieve solar energy conversion and storage. Bismuth-based semiconductors with layered structures, a hierarchical arrangement of components stacked in the form of two-dimensional extended layers where the atoms within each layer are typically strongly bonded, while the interactions between the layers are relatively weak, have emerged as an important series of photocatalyst candidates. In this review, we focus on the new emerging layered bismuth-based semiconductors with structures in Sillén, Aurivillius, Sillén-Aurivillius and bismuth chromate systems primarily employed in the photocatalytic water splitting reaction. From a crystal structure-oriented view, we delve into discussions on how the component and unit of a crystal structure influence the intrinsic properties, including light absorption and photogenerated charge transfer and separation, of materials as well as the corresponding photocatalytic performance of the water splitting reaction. The strategies for modulating the ferroelectricity and surface modification of these layered bismuth-based semiconductors are also involved. We also discuss the limitations of these materials accompanied by a forward-looking perspective, and we hope to provide some insights from the view of rational material design and engineering for the fabrication of high-efficiency photocatalytic water splitting systems.

Recent Advances on Metal Oxide Based Sensors for Environmental Gas Pollutants Detection

Optimizing materials and associated structures for detecting various environmental gas pollutant concentrations has been a major challenge in environmental sensing technology. Semiconducting metal oxides (SMOs) fabricated at the nanoscale are a class of sensor technology in which metallic species are functionalized with various dopants to modify their chemiresistivity and crystalline scaffolding properties. Studies focused on recent advances of gas sensors utilizing metal oxide nanostructures with a special emphasis on the structure-surface property relationships of some typical n-type and p-type SMOs for efficient gas detection are presented. Strategies to enhance the gas sensor performances are also discussed. These oxide material sensors have several advantages such as ease of handling, portability, and doped-based SMO sensing detection ability of environmental gas pollutants at low temperatures. SMO sensors have displayed excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and robustness. In addition, the hybrid SMO sensors showed exceptional selectivity to some CWAs when irradiated with visible light while also displaying high reversibility and humidity independence. Results showed that TiO2 surfaces can sense 50 ppm SO2 in the presence of UV light and under operating temperatures of 298-473 K. Hybrid SMO displayed excellent gas sensing response. For example, a CuO-ZnO nanoparticle network of a 4:1 vol.% CuO/ZnO ratio exhibited responses three times greater than pure CuO sensors and six times greater than pure ZnO sensors toward H2S. This review provides a critical discussion of modified gas pollutant sensing capabilities of metal oxide nanoparticles under ambient conditions, focusing on reported results during the past two decades on gas pollutants sensing.

The route for commercial photoelectrochemical water splitting: a review of large-area devices and key upscaling challenges

Green-hydrogen is considered a "key player" in the energy market for the upcoming decades. Among currently available hydrogen (H2) production processes, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has one of the lowest environmental impacts. However, it still presents prohibitively high production costs compared to more mature technologies, such as steam methane reforming. Therefore, the competitiveness of PEC water splitting must rely on its environmental and functional advantages, which are strongly linked to the reactor design, to the intrinsic properties of its components, and to their successful upscaling. This review gives special attention to the engineering aspects and categorizes PEC devices into four main types, according to the configuration of electrodes and strategies for gas separation: wired back-to-back, wireless back-to-back, wired side-by-side, and wired separated electrode membrane-free. Independently of the device architecture, the use of concentrated sunlight was found to be mandatory for achieving competitive green-H2 production. Additionally, feasible strategies for upscaling the key components of PEC devices, especially photoelectrodes, are urgently needed. In a pragmatic context, the way to move forward is to accept that PEC devices will operate close to their thermodynamic limits at large-scale, which requires a solid convergence between academics and industry. Research efforts must be redirected to: (i) build and demonstrate modular devices with a low-cost and highly recyclable embodiment; (ii) optimize thermal and power management; (iii) reduce ohmic losses; (iv) enhance the chemical stability towards a thousand hours; (v) couple solar concentrators with PEC devices; (vi) boost PEC-H2 production through the use of organic compounds; and (vii) reach consensual standardized methods for evaluating PEC devices, at both environmental and techno-economic levels. If these targets are not met in the next few years, the feasibility of PEC-H2 production and its acceptance by industry and by the general public will be seriously compromised.

Bifunctional Square-Planar NiO4 Coordination of Topotactic LaNiO2.0 Films for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction

The high-efficient and low-cost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is decisive for applications of oxide catalysts in metal-air batteries, electrolytic cells, and energy-storage technologies. Delicate regulations of active surface and catalytic reaction pathway of oxide materials principally determine thermodynamic energy barrier and kinetic rate during catalytic reactions, and thus have crucial impacts on OER performance. Herein, a synergistic modulation of catalytically active surface and reaction pathway through facile topotactic transformations switching from perovskite (PV) LaNiO3.0 film to infinite-layer (IL) LaNiO2.0 film is demonstrated, which absolutely contributes to improving OER performance. The square-planar NiO4 coordination of IL-LaNiO2.0 brings about more electrochemically active metal (Ni+ ) sites on the film surface. Meanwhile, the oxygen-deficient driven PV- IL topotactic transformations lead to a reaction pathway converted from absorbate evolution mechanism to lattice-oxygen-mediated mechanism (LOM). The non-concerted proton-electron transfer of LOM pathway, evidenced by the pH-dependent OER kinetics, further boosts the OER activity of IL-LaNiO2.0 films. These findings will advance the in-depth understanding of catalytic mechanisms and open new possibilities for developing highly active perovskite-derived oxide catalysts.

Engineering Ba2 Bi2 O6 Double Perovskite with La3+ for High Current Density Visible Light Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution

A Lanthanum ion (La3+ ) incorporation strategy is implemented to modify Ba2 Bi2 O6 -based double perovskite photoelectrodes. X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization shows that highly crystalline Ba2 La0.4 Bi1.6 O6 double perovskites with the space group I2/m are successfully prepared. UV-vis absorption spectra and the Tauc-plot reveal an optical band gap Eg ≈1.57 ± 0.01 eV. A thickness dependence of the photoelectrodes photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance shows that the submicron (≈1 µm) 4-times spin-coated thin film photoelectrode displays strong p-type conductivity, which delivers an encouraging photocurrent density of 0.88 mA cm-2 at 0.25 VRHE under AM 1.5G illumination. 10-times coated and 20-times coated medium thick (125.8-197 µm) photoelectrodes that exhibit moderate p-type conductivity, show further enhanced photocurrent densities of 1.5 mA cm-2 at 0 VRHE . In contrast, charge recombination centers existing in a standard thick pellet (≈500 µm) Ba2 La0.4 Bi1.6 O6 photoelectrode can quench photo-generated charge carriers and greatly undermine PEC activities. The approach to doping at the Bi(III) sites contrasts with earlier efforts that focus on doping at the Bi(V) sites and thus paves the way for further tailoring a family of novel promising photocathode materials for efficient solar-water conversion devices.

Polymer-enhanced perovskite oxide-based photocatalysts: a review

Oxide perovskites (OPs) have emerged as promising photocatalysts for numerous applications, such as energy conversion, renewable fuels, and environmental remediation. Although OPs are gaining traction, their efficacies are still hindered by low charge carrier mobility and poor stability. This study investigated the function of polymers actively participating in OP structures to improve the overall characteristics. An overview of the polymer-enhanced perovskite oxide photocatalyst (PEPOP) field was effectively reviewed. These PEPOPs were demonstrated in photovoltaics, pollutant degradation, and gas conversion and reduction. Nonetheless, additional research is needed to explore the potential of PEPOPs to establish their efficacy in photocatalytic applications. The technological improvements of PEPOPs were hindered by significant challenges related to stability and sensitivity. The urgency of this review was apparent due to the fast-paced nature of research in the field of photocatalysis. Recent breakthroughs and emerging applications highlight the need for a comprehensive overview of PEPOPs and their enhanced catalytic capabilities. Consequently, a broad outlook was provided for the current state of PEPOP-related studies, highlighting the potential of these materials for future applications.

Strong Intermixing Effects of LFO1-x/STOx toward the Development of Efficient Photoanodes for Photoelectrocatalytic Applications

Aiming to improve the photocatalytic properties of transition metal perovskites to be used as robust photoanodes, [LaFeO3]1-x/[SrTiO3]x nanocomposites (LFO1-x/STOx) are considered. This hybrid structure combines good semiconducting properties and an interesting intrinsic remanent polarization. All the studied samples were fabricated using a solid-state method followed by high-energy ball milling, and they were subsequently deposited by spray coating. The synthesized compounds were demonstrated to possess orthorhombic (Pnma) and cubic (Pm3¯m) structures for LFO and STO, respectively, with an average grain size of 55-70 nm. The LFO1-x/STOx nanocomposites appeared to exhibit high visible light absorption, corresponding to band gaps of 2.17-3.21 eV. Our findings show that LFO0.5/STO0.5 is the optimized heterostructure; it achieved a high photocurrent density of 11 μA/cm2 at 1.23 V bias vs. RHE and an applied bias photo-to-current efficiency of 4.1 × 10-3% at 0.76 V vs. RHE, as demonstrated by the photoelectrochemical measurements. These results underline the role of the two phases intermixing LFO and STO at the appropriate content to yield a high-performing photoanode ascribed to efficient charge separation and transfer. This suggests that LFO0.5/STO0.5 could be a potential candidate for the development of efficient photoanodes for hydrogen generation via photoelectrocatalytic water splitting.

Data-Driven Discovery of a Covalent Organic Framework Heterojunction as Efficient Photocatalysts for Overall Solar Water Splitting

Searching for highly efficient visible-light photocatalysts is a high-cost and time-consuming process in the water splitting field. The integration of data-driven screening based on the database and density functional theory calculations represents a promising approach. In this study, we first present a topologically assembled single-layer covalent organic framework (COF) that is used to build a COF heterojunction database via AA stacking. Then we propose a systematic search procedure for COF heterojunctions as overall solar water splitting photocatalysts, including suitable band gap (screen 1), appropriate band edge position (screen 2), spontaneous catalytic reactions for water splitting (screen 3), and efficient separation of photogenerated electrons and holes (proof). Finally, we successfully identify 1 heterojunction from the pool of 222 items as an efficient photocatalyst for overall solar water splitting. Clearly, this kind of data-driven screening procedure, based on a COF heterojunction database, opens up new avenues and inspires the development of high-performance photocatalysts.

Interfacial Mo-S-C Bond with High Reversibility for Advanced Alkali-Ion Capacitors: Strategies for High-Throughput Production

The high-throughput scalable production of low-cost and high-performance electrode materials that work well under high power densities required in industrial application is full of challenges for the large-scale implementation of electrochemical technologies. Here, motivated by theoretical calculation that Mo-S-C heterojunction and sulfur vacancies can reduce the energy band gap, decrease the migration energy barrier, and improve the mechanical stability of MoS2 , the scalable preparation of inexpensive MoS2-x @CN is contrived by employing natural molybdenite as precursor, which is characteristic of high efficiency in synthesis process and energy conservation and the calculated costs are four orders of magnitude lower than MoS2 /C in previous work. More importantly, MoS2- x @CN electrode is endowed with impressive rate capability even at 5 A g-1 , and ultrastable cycling stability during almost 5000 cycles, which far outperform chemosynthesis MoS2 materials. Obtaining the full SIC cell assembled by MoS2- x @CN anode and carbon cathode, the energy/power output is high up to 265.3 W h kg-1 at 250 W kg-1 . These advantages indicate the huge potentials of the designed MoS2- x @CN and of mineral-based cost-effective and abundant resources as anode materials in high-performance AICs.

Imperfect makes perfect: defect engineering of photoelectrodes towards efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for hydrogen evolution has been considered as a promising technology to solve the energy and environmental issues. However, the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiencies of current PEC systems are far from meeting the commercial demand (10%) due to the lack of efficient photoelectrode materials. The recent rapid development of defect engineering of photoelectrodes has significantly improved the PEC performance, which is expected to break through the bottleneck of low STH efficiency. In this review, the category and the construction methods of different defects in photoelectrode materials are summarized. Based on the in-depth summary and analysis of existing reports, the PEC performance enhancement mechanism of defect engineering is critically discussed in terms of light absorption, carrier separation and transport, and surface redox reactions. Finally, the application prospects and challenges of defect engineering for PEC water splitting are presented, and the future research directions in this field are also proposed.

Facile construction of a robust CuS@NaNbO3 nanorod composite: A unique p-n heterojunction structure with superior performance in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

The construction of heterojunctions is commonly regarded as an efficient way to promote the production of hydrogen via photocatalytic water splitting through the enhancement of interfacial interactions. The p-n heterojunction is an important kind of heterojunction with an inner electric field based on the different properties of semiconductors. In this work, we reported the synthesis of a novel CuS/NaNbO₃ p-n heterojunction by depositing CuS nanoparticles on the external surface of NaNbO₃ nanorods, using a facile calcination and hydrothermal method. Through the screening of different ratios, the optimum hydrogen production activity reached 1603 μmol·g^-1·h^-1, which is much higher than that of NaNbO₃ (3.6 times) and CuS (2.7 times). Subsequent characterizations proved semiconductor properties and the existence of p-n heterojunction interactions between the two materials, which inhibited the recombination of photogenerated carriers and improved the efficiency of electron transfer. This work provides a meaningful strategy to utilize the p-n heterojunction structure for the promotion of photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Photochemical and electrochemical co-regulation of the BiVO4 photoanode for water splitting

A novel pretreatment strategy that can regulate the amount of oxygen vacancies (O_vac) across the wormlike-BiVO₄ photoanode by photochemical and electrochemical co-processing. Upon decorating NiFeO_x as an oxygen evolution cocatalyst for promoting the surface oxidation kinetics, a record-high photocurrent density of 6.42 mA cm^-2 is obtained at 1.23 vs. RHE (100 mW cm^-2).

Picoperovskites: The Smallest Conceivable Isolated Halide Perovskite Structures Formed within Carbon Nanotubes

Halide perovskite structures are revolutionizing the design of optoelectronic materials, including solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and photovoltaics when formed at the quantum scale. Four isolated sub-nanometer, or picoscale, halide perovskite structures formed inside ≈1.2-1.6 nm single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by melt insertion from CsPbBr₃ and lead-free CsSnI₃ are reported. Three directly relate to the ABX₃ perovskite archetype while a fourth is a perovskite-like lamellar structure with alternating Cs₄ and polyhedral Sn₄ I_x layers. In ≈1.4 nm-diameter SWCNTs, CsPbBr₃ forms Cs₃ Pb^II Br₅ nanowires, one ABX₃ unit cell in cross section with the Pb²⁺ oxidation state maintained by ordered Cs⁺ vacancies. Within ≈1.2 nm-diameter SWCNTs, CsPbBr₃ and CsSnI₃ form inorganic-polymer-like bilayer structures, one-fourth of an ABX₃ unit cell in cross section with systematically reproduced ABX₃ stoichiometry. Producing these smallest halide perovskite structures at their absolute synthetic cross-sectional limit enables quantum confinement effects with first-principles calculations demonstrating bandgap widening compared to corresponding bulk structural forms.

Role of vanadium ions substitution on spinel MnCo2O4 towards enhanced electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation

Improving efficient electrocatalysts (ECs) for hydrogen generation through water splitting is of significant interest in tackling the upcoming energy crisis. Sustainable hydrogen generation is the primary prerequisite to realizing the future hydrogen economy. This work examines the electrocatalytic activity of hydrothermally prepared vanadium doped MnCo spinel oxide microspheres (MC), MnV_xCo_2-xO₄ (V_x-MnCo MC, where x ≤ 0.4) in the HER (hydrogen evolution reaction) process. Magnetization measurements demonstrated a paramagnetic (at high temperatures) to a ferrimagnetic (at low temperatures) transition below the Curie temperature (Tc) in all the samples. The magnetization is found to intensify with the rising vanadium content of MCs. The optimized catalyst V_x-MnCo MCs (x = 0.3) outperformed other prepared ECs with a Tafel slope of 84 mV/dec, a low onset potential of 78.9 mV, and a low overpotential of 85.9 mV at a current density of 10 mA/cm², respectively. The significantly improved HER performance of hydrothermally synthesized V_x-MnCo MCs (x = 0.3) is principally attributable to many exposed active sites, accelerated electron transport at the EC/electrolyte interface, and remarkable electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ECSA) value was found ~ 11.4 cm². Moreover, the V_x-MnCo MCs (x = 0.3) electrode exhibited outstanding electrocatalytic stability after exposure to 1000 cyclic voltametric cycles and 36 h of chronoamperometric testing. Our results suggest a feasible route for developing earth-abundant transition metal oxide-based EC as a superior electrode for future water electrolysis applications.

Activation of chloride by oxygen vacancies-enriched TiO2 photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical treatment of persistent organic pollutants and simultaneous H2 generation

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) activation of chloride ions (Cl^-) to degrade persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is a promising strategy for the treatment of industrial saline organic wastewater. However, the wide application of this technology is greatly restricted due to the general photoanode activation of Cl^- with poor capability, the propensity to produce toxic by-products chlorates, and the narrow pH range. Herein, oxygen vacancies-enriched titanium dioxide (O_v-TiO₂) photoanode is explored to strongly activate Cl^- to drive the deep mineralization of POPs wastewater in a wide pH range (2-12) with simultaneous production of H₂. More importantly, nearly no toxic by-product of chlorates was produced during such PEC-Cl system. The degradation efficiency of 4-CP and H₂ generation rate by O_v-TiO₂ were 99.9% within 60 min and 198.2 μmol h^-1 cm^-2, respectively, which are far superior to that on the TiO₂ (33.1% within 60 min, 27.5 μmol h^-1 cm^-2) working electrode. DFT calculation and capture experiments revealed that O_v-TiO₂ with abundant oxygen vacancies is conducive to the activation of Cl^- to produce more reactive chlorine species, evidenced by its high production of free chlorine (48.7 mg L^-1 vs 7.5 mg L^-1 of TiO₂). The as-designed PEC-Cl system in this work is expected to realize the purification of industrial saline organic wastewater coupling with green energy H₂ evolution.

Recent Advances and Future Perspectives of Metal-Based Electrocatalysts for Overall Electrochemical Water Splitting

Recently, the growing demand for a renewable and sustainable fuel alternative is contingent on fuel cell technologies. Even though it is regarded as an environmentally sustainable method of generating fuel for immediate concerns, it must be enhanced to make it extraordinarily affordable, and environmentally sustainable. Hydrogen (H₂ ) synthesis by electrochemical water splitting (ECWS) is considered one of the foremost potential prospective methods for renewable energy output and H₂ society implementation. Existing massive H₂ output is mostly reliant on the steaming reformation of carbon fuels that yield CO₂ together with H₂ and is a finite resource. ECWS is a viable, efficient, and contamination-free method for H₂ evolution. Consequently, developing reliable and cost-effective technology for ECWS was a top priority for scientists around the globe. Utilizing renewable technologies to decrease total fuel utilization is crucial for H₂ evolution. Capturing and transforming the fuel from the ambient through various renewable solutions for water splitting (WS) could effectively reduce the need for additional electricity. ECWS is among the foremost potential prospective methods for renewable energy output and the achievement of a H₂ -based economy. For the overall water splitting (OWS), several transition-metal-based polyfunctional metal catalysts for both cathode and anode have been synthesized. Furthermore, the essential to the widespread adoption of such technology is the development of reduced-price, super functional electrocatalysts to substitute those, depending on metals. Many metal-premised electrocatalysts for both the anode and cathode have been designed for the WS process. The attributes of H₂ and oxygen (O₂ ) dynamics interactions on the electrodes of water electrolysis cells and the fundamental techniques for evaluating the achievement of electrocatalysts are outlined in this paper. Special emphasis is paid to their fabrication, electrocatalytic performance, durability, and measures for enhancing their efficiency. In addition, prospective ideas on metal-based WS electrocatalysts based on existing problems are presented. It is anticipated that this review will offer a straight direction toward the engineering and construction of novel polyfunctional electrocatalysts encompassing superior efficiency in a suitable WS technique.

A comprehensive review on the electrochemical parameters and recent material development of electrochemical water splitting electrocatalysts

Electrochemical splitting of water is an appealing solution for energy storage and conversion to overcome the reliance on depleting fossil fuel reserves and prevent severe deterioration of the global climate. Though there are several fuel cells, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) fuel cells have zero carbon emissions, and water is the only by-product. Countless researchers worldwide are working on the fundamentals, i.e. the parameters affecting the electrocatalysis of water splitting and electrocatalysts that could improve the performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and overall simplify the water electrolysis process. Noble metals like platinum for HER and ruthenium and iridium for OER were used earlier; however, being expensive, there are more feasible options than employing these metals for all commercialization. The review discusses the recent developments in metal and metalloid HER and OER electrocatalysts from the s, p and d block elements. The evaluation perspectives for electrocatalysts of electrochemical water splitting are also highlighted.

Interface Engineering of Conjugated Polymer-Based Composites for Photocatalysis

Photocatalysis can create a green way to produce clean energy resources, degrade pollutants and achieve carbon neutrality, making the construction of efficient photocatalysts significant in solving environmental issues. Conjugated polymers (CPs) with adjustable band structures have superior light-absorption capacity and flexible morphology that facilitate contact with other components to form advanced heterojunctions. Interface engineering can strengthen the interfacial contact between the components and further enlarge the interfacial contact area, enhance light absorption, accelerate charge transfer and improve the reusability of the composites. In order to throw some new light on heterojunction interface regulation at a molecular level, herein we summarize CP-based composites with improved photocatalytic performance according to the types of interactions (covalent bonding, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, π-π stacking, and other polar interactions) between the components and introduce the corresponding interface building methods, identifying techniques. Then the roles of interfaces in different photocatalytic applications are discussed. Finally, we sum up the existing problems in interface engineering of CP-based composites and look forward to the possible solutions.

Ion-Exchange Reaction-Mediated Hierarchical Dual Z-Scheme Heterojunction for Split-Type Photoelectrochemical Immunoassays

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) immunoassays with ultrasensitive detection abilities are highly desirable for in vitro PEC diagnosis and biological detection. In this paper, dual Z-scheme PEC immunoassays with hierarchical nanostructures (TiO₂@NH₂-MIL-125@CdS) are synthesized through epitaxial growth of MOF-on-MOF and further in situ derivatization. The dual Z-scheme configuration not only extends the light absorption range but also increases the redox ability due to the interface structure nanoengineering, which synergistically suppresses bulk carrier recombination and promotes the charge transfer efficiency at the electron level. Furthermore, a smart MOF-derived labeling probe (CuO@ZnO nanocube) is designed to develop a split-type PEC biosensor by using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as a target biomarker. In the presence of PSA, the Ab₂-labeled CuO@ZnO would specifically bond to the dual Z-scheme electrode. Then, the MOF-derived CuO@ZnO is dissolved by hydrochloric acid to release Cu²⁺, which could replace Cd²⁺ via an ion-exchange reaction, thus leading to the decrease of the photocurrent due to the destruction of the dual Z-scheme configuration. In typical applications, the split-type PEC immunoassay exhibits an excellent detection performance for PSA with a LOD as low as 0.025 pg·mL^-1.

Monovalent Copper Cation Doping Enables High-Performance CsPbIBr2-Based All-Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells

Organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have delivered the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 25.7% currently, but they are unfortunately limited by several key issues, such as inferior humid and thermal stability, significantly retarding their widespread application. To tackle the instability issue, all-inorganic PSCs have attracted increasing interest due to superior structural, humid and high-temperature stability to their organic-inorganic counterparts. Nevertheless, all-inorganic PSCs with typical CsPbIBr₂ perovskite as light absorbers suffer from much inferior PCEs to those of organic-inorganic PSCs. Functional doping is regarded as a simple and useful strategy to improve the PCEs of CsPbIBr₂-based all-inorganic PSCs. Herein, we report a monovalent copper cation (Cu⁺)-doping strategy to boost the performance of CsPbIBr₂-based PSCs by increasing the grain sizes and improving the CsPbIBr₂ film quality, reducing the defect density, inhibiting the carrier recombination and constructing proper energy level alignment. Consequently, the device with optimized Cu⁺-doping concentration generates a much better PCE of 9.11% than the pristine cell (7.24%). Moreover, the Cu⁺ doping also remarkably enhances the humid and thermal durability of CsPbIBr₂-based PSCs with suppressed hysteresis. The current study provides a simple and useful strategy to enhance the PCE and the durability of CsPbIBr₂-based PSCs, which can promote the practical application of perovskite photovoltaics.

Aluminum Cation Doping in Ruddlesden-Popper Sr2TiO4 Enables High-Performance Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Hydrogen (H2) is regarded as a promising and renewable energy carrier to achieve a sustainable future. Among the various H2 production routes, photocatalytic water splitting has received particular interest; it strongly relies on the optical and structural properties of photocatalysts such as their sunlight absorption capabilities, carrier transport properties, and amount of oxygen vacancy. Perovskite oxides have been widely investigated as photocatalysts for photocatalytic water splitting to produce H2 because of their distinct optical properties, tunable band gaps and excellent compositional/structural flexibility. Herein, an aluminum cation (Al3+) doping strategy is developed to enhance the photocatalytic performance of Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) Sr2TiO4 perovskite oxides for photocatalytic H2 production. After optimizing the Al3+ substitution concentration, Sr2Ti0.9Al0.1O4 exhibits a superior H2 evolution rate of 331 μmol h−1 g−1, which is ~3 times better than that of Sr2TiO4 under full-range light illumination, due to its enhanced light harvesting capabilities, facilitated charge transfer, and tailored band structure. This work presents a simple and useful Al3+ cation doping strategy to boost the photocatalytic performance of RP-phase perovskites for solar water splitting.

Toward Superb Perovskite Oxide Electrocatalysts: Engineering of Coupled Nanocomposites

A significant issue that bedeviled the commercialization of renewable energy technologies, ranging from low-temperature water electrolyzers to high-temperature solid oxide cells, is the lack of high-performance catalysts. Among various candidates that could tackle such a challenge, perovskite oxides are rising-star materials because of their unique structural and compositional flexibility. However, single-phase perovskite oxides are challenging to satisfy all the requirements of electrocatalysts concurrently for practical applications, such as high catalytic activity, excellent stability, good ionic and electronic conductivities, and superior chemical/thermo-mechanical robustness. Impressively, perovskite oxides with coupled nanocomposites are emerging as a novel form offering multifunctionality due to their intrinsic features, including infinite interfaces with solid interaction, tunable compositions, flexible configurations, and maximum synergistic effects between assorted components. Considering this new configuration has attracted great attention owing to its promising performances in various energy-related applications, this review timely summarizes the leading-edge development of perovskite oxide-based coupled nanocomposites. Their state-of-art synthetic strategies are surveyed and highlighted, their unique structural advantages are highlighted and illustrated through the typical oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reactions in both high and low-temperature applications. Opinions on the current critical scientific issues and opportunities in this burgeoning research field are all provided.

Synthesis of samarium orthoferrite-based perovskite nanoparticles as a turn-on fluorescent probe for trace level detection of picric acid

Picric acid (2,4,6-trinitrophenol, PA) is a common constituent of many powerful explosives, thus, development of the chemical probes for trace level detection of PA is a crucial current challenge in both public security and environmental protection. In this work, the applicability of the new perovskite-type oxide SmFeO₃ nanoparticles as an inorganic fluorescence turn-on probe for the selective and sensitive recognition of PA in organic and aqueous media was investigated. The synthesis of nanoparticles SmFeO₃ was carried out using the surfactant-assisted templating approach which proceeds through the sol-gel process based on nonionic surfactant Triton X-100. The synthesized SmFeO₃ nanoparticles exhibited strong solvent-dependent emission at 330 nm wavelength with absorption maxima at 225 nm. Among the tested explosives, the probe showed the highest sensitivity and selectivity for detecting PA in water and water/acetonitrile mixture. The response time for detecting PA was less than 5 s. The limits of detection for PA in acetonitrile and water/acetonitrile mixture were 2.1 µM and 1.1 µM, respectively. Furthermore, to investigate the nature of the fluorescence turn-on sensing mechanism, the experimental data of the dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique and zeta-potential were used. Both techniques confirmed the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) mechanism for detection of PA with the synthesized turn-on probe. The results of the present work will have a considerable impact on the development and applications of a new class of inorganic fluorescence turn-on probes for the detection of PA.

Three-Dimensional Au(NiMo)/Ti Catalysts for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

In this study, NiMo catalysts that have different metal loadings in the range of ca. 28-106 µg cm^-2 were electrodeposited on the Ti substrate followed by their decoration with a very low amount of Au-crystallites in the range of ca. 1-5 µg cm^-2 using the galvanic displacement method. The catalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) was evaluated on the NiMo/Ti and Au(NiMo)/Ti catalysts in an alkaline medium. It was found that among the investigated NiMo/Ti and Au(NiMo)/Ti catalysts, the Au(NiMo)/Ti-3 catalyst with the Au loading of 5.2 µg cm^-2 gives the lowest overpotential of 252 mV for the HER to reach a current density of 10 mA·cm^-2. The current densities for HER increase ca. 1.1-2.7 and ca. 1.1-2.2 times on the NiMo/Ti and Au(NiMo)/Ti catalysts, respectively, at -0.424 V, with an increase in temperature from 25 °C to 75 °C.

Boosting the Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution of Perovskite LaCo1- x Fex O3 by the Construction of Yolk-Shell Nanostructures and Electronic Modulation

Realizing the rational design of perovskite oxides with controllable compositions and nanostructures remains a tremendous challenge for the development of efficient electrocatalysts. Herein, a ligand-assisted synthetic strategy to fabricate perovskite oxides LaCo_{1- x} Fe_x O₃ with yolk-shell nanostructures is developed. Benefiting from the unique structural and compositional merits, LaCo_0.75 Fe_0.25 O₃ exhibits an overpotential of 310 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 and long-term stability of 100 h for the oxygen evolution reaction. In situ Raman spectroscopy demonstrates that Fe substitution facilitates the pre-oxidation of Co sites and induces the surface reconstruction into active Co oxyhydroxides at a relatively lower applied potential, guaranteeing excellent catalytic performances. Density functional theory calculations unravel that the appropriate introduction of Fe into perovskite LaCoO₃ leads to the improved electroactivity and durability of the catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Fe-3d orbitals show a pinning effect on Co-3d orbitals to maintain the stable valence state of Co sites at the low overpotential of the OER. Furthermore, Zn-air batteries (ZABs) assembled with LaCo_0.75 Fe_0.25 O₃ display a high open circuit potential of 1.47 V, superior energy density of 905 Wh kg^-1  _Zn , and excellent stability in a large temperature range. This work supplies novel insights into the future developments of perovskite-based electrocatalysts.

Dual Direct Z-Scheme Heterojunction with Growing Photoactive Property for Sensitive Photoelectrochemical and Colorimetric Bioanalysis

A dual direct Z-scheme heterojunction photoactive material of CoTiO₃/g-C₃N₄/Bi₂O₃ was designed based on calcination and in situ illumination-assisted process for sensitivity bioproteins detection which combined with MnO₂ nanoflowers to achieve signal quenching strategy. The complex consists of two direct Z-scheme heterojunctions of g-C₃N₄ and two photoactive materials CoTiO₃ and Bi₂O₃. This great structure could augment the migration of photogenerated electrons obviously, which boost the photocurrent greatly and prefer the photoelectric application of perovskite oxide. To improve sensitivity, the nanoflower like MnO₂ with oxidation performance is introduced into the system and used as a label fixed on secondary antibody to oxidize electron donor (AA) to achieve an enlarged signal quenching value. Interestingly, MnO₂ also showed an effective oxidation activity for TMB oxidation, leading to a chromogenic reaction. With the change of antigen concentration, the color of the test electrolyte also changes. Herein, the designed smart photoelectrochemical sensor shows a wide detection range (neuron specific enolase as an example) from 0.00005 to 200 ng/mL with a detection limit as low as 28 fg/mL. And the colorimetric assay for target detection owns a liner range from 0.1 to 20 ng/mL accompany with a detection limit of 0.05 ng/mL. These two designed sensing modes offer a new strategy for signal amplification of perovskite oxide and the possibility of real-time detection.

Recent Progress in Lanthanide-Doped Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystals and Nanoheterostructures: A Future Vision of Bioimaging

All-inorganic lead halide perovskite nanocrystals have great potential in optoelectronics and photovoltaics. However, their biological applications have not been explored much owing to their poor stability and shallow penetration depth of ultraviolet (UV) excitation light into tissues. Interestingly, the combination of all-inorganic halide perovskite nanocrystals (IHP NCs) with nanoparticles consisting of lanthanide-doped matrix (Ln NPs, such as NaYF₄:Yb,Er NPs) is stable, near-infrared (NIR) excitable and emission tuneable (up-shifting emission), all of them desirable properties for biological applications. In addition, luminescence in inorganic perovskite nanomaterials has recently been sensitized via lanthanide doping. In this review, we discuss the progress of various Ln-doped all-inorganic halide perovskites (LnIHP). The unique properties of nanoheterostructures based on the interaction between IHP NCs and Ln NPs as well as those of LnIHP NCs are also detailed. Moreover, a systematic discussion of basic principles and mechanisms as well as of the recent advancements in bio-imaging based on these materials are presented. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of bio-imaging based on NIR-triggered sensitized luminescence of IHP NCs are discussed.

Water electrolysis: from textbook knowledge to the latest scientific strategies and industrial developments

Replacing fossil fuels with energy sources and carriers that are sustainable, environmentally benign, and affordable is amongst the most pressing challenges for future socio-economic development. To that goal, hydrogen is presumed to be the most promising energy carrier. Electrocatalytic water splitting, if driven by green electricity, would provide hydrogen with minimal CO2 footprint. The viability of water electrolysis still hinges on the availability of durable earth-abundant electrocatalyst materials and the overall process efficiency. This review spans from the fundamentals of electrocatalytically initiated water splitting to the very latest scientific findings from university and institutional research, also covering specifications and special features of the current industrial processes and those processes currently being tested in large-scale applications. Recently developed strategies are described for the optimisation and discovery of active and durable materials for electrodes that ever-increasingly harness first-principles calculations and machine learning. In addition, a technoeconomic analysis of water electrolysis is included that allows an assessment of the extent to which a large-scale implementation of water splitting can help to combat climate change. This review article is intended to cross-pollinate and strengthen efforts from fundamental understanding to technical implementation and to improve the 'junctions' between the field's physical chemists, materials scientists and engineers, as well as stimulate much-needed exchange among these groups on challenges encountered in the different domains.

Recent Advances in Perovskite Catalysts for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

Hydrogen is considered a promising clean energy vector with the features of high energy capacity and zero-carbon emission. Water splitting is an environment-friendly and effective route for producing high-purity hydrogen, which contains two important half-cell reactions, namely, the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the cathodic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). At the heart of water splitting is high-performance electrocatalysts that efficiently improve the rate and selectivity of key chemical reactions. Recently, perovskite oxides have emerged as promising candidates for efficient water splitting electrocatalysts owing to their low cost, high electrochemical stability, and compositional and structural flexibility allowing for the achievement of high intrinsic electrocatalytic activity. In this review, we summarize the present research progress in the design, development, and application of perovskite oxides for electrocatalytic water splitting. The emphasis is on the innovative synthesis strategies and a deeper understanding of structure–activity relationships through a combination of systematic characterization and theoretical research. Finally, the main challenges and prospects for the further development of more efficient electrocatalysts based on perovskite oxides are proposed. It is expected to give guidance for the development of novel non-noble metal catalysts in electrochemical water splitting.

Current Trends in Fluid Research in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Review

Computational methods in fluid research have been progressing during the past few years, driven by the incorporation of massive amounts of data, either in textual or graphical form, generated from multi-scale simulations, laboratory experiments, and real data from the field. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its adjacent field, Machine Learning (ML), are about to reach standardization in most fields of computational science and engineering, as they provide multiple ways for extracting information from data that turn into knowledge, with the aid of portable software implementations that are easy to adopt. There is ample information on the historical and mathematical background of all aspects of AI/ML in the literature. Thus, this review article focuses mainly on their impact on fluid research at present, highlighting advances and opportunities, recognizing techniques and methods having been proposed, tabulating, and testing some of the most popular algorithms that have shown significant accuracy and performance on fluid applications. We also investigate algorithmic accuracy on several fluid datasets that correspond to simulation results for the transport properties of fluids and suggest that non-linear, decision tree-based methods have shown remarkable performance on reproducing fluid properties.

Fabrication and Characterization of the Broccoli-like Structured CuO Thin Films Synthesized by a Facile Hydrothermal Method and Its Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Application

CuO thin films with broccoli-like structure were prepared using a facile hydrothermal method to construct photocathodes for water-splitting application. The morphological, structural, and optical properties of thin films were characterized and measured using several techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence (PL), and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The thickness, structure, and morphology of CuO thin films can be controlled by varying the precursor concentration (Cp) and reaction temperature (Tr), which are also discussed. Moreover, the electrical properties of CuO thin films were also measured in the three-electrode system. The photocurrent density of photocathodes, when synthesized by a 0.5 M solution at 150 °C for 12 h, was 0.5 mA/cm2 at −0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl, which is 1.8 times higher than that of photocathodes synthesized in a 0.1 M solution at 100 °C with the same reaction time. In addition, increasing the reaction temperature and precursor concentration aided in the enhancement of the IPCE and APCE values, which peaked at a wavelength range of 330–400 nm.

Electrocatalyst based on Ni2P nanoparticles and NiCoP nanosheets for efficient hydrogen evolution from urea wastewater

Urea electrolysis is a promising approach to produce hydrogen while simultaneously purifying urea-rich wastewater. In practice, it is highly desirable but still challenging, through the structure construction strategy, to implement a method with controllable synthesis of ultra-thin nanosheet arrays with rich interfaces, and then apply them into the catalysis operations of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and urea oxidation reaction (UOR). In this work, the bifunctional electrocatalyst Ni₂P/NiCoP nanosheets anchored nickel foam (NF) were prepared with ultra-thin rich interfaces by regulating the Co- and P-doping. The results showed that the elaborated Ni₂P/NiCoP/NF electrode delivered the excellent electrocatalytic activities for both UOR and HER operations. Particularly for UOR, it required only a cell voltage of 1.41 V at 100 mA cm^-2, which was 400 mV lower than that in the traditional overall water splitting operation.

Hybrid density functional study on band structure engineering of ZnS(110) surface by anion–cation codoping for overall water splitting

The (Ru + C)-codoped ZnS(110) surface is predicted to be a potential candidate for solar-driven water splitting.

Host/Guest Nanostructured Photoanodes Integrated with Targeted Enhancement Strategies for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production from water splitting is a green technology that can solve the environmental and energy problems through converting solar energy into renewable hydrogen fuel. The construction of host/guest architecture in semiconductor photoanodes has proven to be an effective strategy to improve solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency dramatically. In host/guest photoanodes, the absorber layer is deposited onto a high-surface-area electron collector, resulting in a significant enhancements in light-harvesting as well as charge collection and separation efficiency. The present review aims to summarize and highlight recent state-of-the-art progresses in the architecture designing of host/guest photoanodes with integrated enhancement strategies, including i) light trapping effect; ii) optimization of conductive host scaffolds; iii) hierarchical structure engineering. The challenges and prospects for the future development of host/guest nanostructured photoanodes are also presented.

WS2/In2S3 composite photocatalyst for photocatalytic H2 generation and pollutant degradation

A Z-scheme WS2/In2S3 photocatalyst with a bi-layered sheet-like structure was designed to promote separation and transfer of photocarriers.

Photocatalytic Z-Scheme Overall Water Splitting: Recent Advances in Theory and Experiments

Photocatalytic water splitting is considered one of the most important and appealing approaches for the production of green H₂ to address the global energy demand. The utmost possible form of artificial photosynthesis is a two-step photoexcitation known as "Z-scheme", which mimics the natural photosystem. This process solely relies on the effective coupling and suitable band positions of semiconductors (SCs) and redox mediators for the purpose to catalyze the surface chemical reactions and significantly deter the backward reaction. In recent years, the Z-scheme strategies and their key role have been studied progressively through experimental approaches. In addition, theoretical studies based on density functional theory have provided detailed insight into the mechanistic aspects of some breathtakingly complex problems associated with hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. In this context, this critical review gives an overview of the fundamentals of Z-scheme photocatalysis, including both theoretical and experimental advancements in the field of photocatalytic water splitting, and suggests future perspectives.

Photoelectrochemical aptasensor based on La2Ti2O7/Sb2S3 and V2O5 for effectively signal change strategy for cancer marker detection

In this item, a high-efficiency signal "on-off-on" strategy photoelectrochemical (PEC) apatsensor was resoundingly developed for target ultrasensitive analysis. Primarily, the heterojunction formation between Cd: Sb₂S₃ and La₂Ti₂O₇ was contributed to the first "signal-on" state to improve the stability of the PEC platform. Secondly, V₂O₅ nanosphere act as a catalyst for H₂O₂ was used to label on aptamer DNA to consume electron donor for achieving "signal-off" state. Then target analyte was modified on the surface of the PEC platform, and part of V₂O₅ with aptamer DNA would be released from the aptasensor surface, thus, the "signal-on" state was realized again. In this signal "on-off-on" strategy, the PEC performance of perovskite La₂Ti₂O₇ was effectively perfected with Cd: Sb₂S₃ sensitization, and broaden the application of perovskite in PEC sensor field. And the signal attenuation and recovery strategy were distinctly elevated the sensitivity of the aptasensor. In the preferred detection conditions, the proposed PEC sensor for analyte (PSA as an example) analysis revealed a wide sensing range from 1.000 × 10^-5 to 500.0 ng/mL, own a low detection limit of 4.300 fg/mL. This smart response change mode also provide prospect for other target detection, and offer a reference to signal transform for other electrochemical method.

Vacancy defect engineering of BiVO4 photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has been regarded as a promising technology for sustainable hydrogen production. The development of efficient photoelectrode materials is the key to improve the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency towards practical application. Bismuth vanadate (BiVO₄) is one of the most promising photoanode materials with the advantages of visible light absorption, good chemical stability, nontoxic feature, and low cost. However, the PEC performance of BiVO₄ photoanodes is limited by the relatively short hole diffusion length and poor electron transport properties. The recent rapid development of vacancy defect engineering has significantly improved the PEC performance of BiVO₄. In this review article, the fundamental properties of BiVO₄ are presented, followed by an overview of the methods for creating different kinds of vacancy defects in BiVO₄ photoanodes. Then, the roles of vacancy defects in tuning the electronic structure, promoting charge separation, and increasing surface photoreaction kinetics of BiVO₄ photoanodes are critically discussed. Finally, the major challenges and some encouraging perspectives for future research on vacancy defect engineering of BiVO₄ photoanodes are presented, providing guidelines for the design of efficient BiVO₄ photoanodes for solar fuel production.

Activating Lattice Oxygen in Perovskite Oxide by B-Site Cation Doping for Modulated Stability and Activity at Elevated Temperatures

Doping perovskite oxide with different cations is used to improve its electro-catalytic performance for various energy and environment devices. In this work, an activated lattice oxygen activity in Pr0.4 Sr0.6 Cox Fe0.9- x Nb0.1 O3- δ (PSCxFN, x = 0, 0.2, 0.7) thin film model system by B-site cation doping is reported. As Co doping level increases, PSCxFN thin films exhibit higher concentration of oxygen vacancies ( V o • • ) as revealed by X-ray diffraction and synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculation results suggest that Co doping leads to more distortion in FeO octahedra and weaker metaloxygen bonds caused by the increase of antibonding state, thereby lowering V o • • formation energy. As a consequence, PSCxFN thin film with higher Co-doping level presents larger amount of exsolved particles on the surface. Both the facilitated V o • • formation and B-site cation exsolution lead to the enhanced hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) activity. Excessive Co doping until 70%, nevertheless, results in partial decomposition of thin film and degrades the stability. Pr0.4 Sr0.6 (Co0.2 Fe0.7 Nb0.1 )O3 with moderate Co doping level displays both good HOR activity and stability. This work clarifies the critical role of B-site cation doping in determining the V o • • formation process, the surface activity, and structure stability of perovskite oxides.

Water-splitting photoelectrodes consisting of heterojunctions of carbon nitride with ap-type low bandgap double perovskite oxide

Quinary and senary non-stoichiometric double perovskites such as Ba₂Ca_0.66Nb_1.34-xFe_xO_6-δ(BCNF) have been utilized for gas sensing, solid oxide fuel cells and thermochemical CO₂reduction. Herein, we examined their potential as narrow bandgap semiconductors for use in solar energy harvesting. A cobalt co-doped BCNF, Ba₂Ca_0.66Nb_0.68Fe_0.33Co_0.33O_6-δ(BCNFCo), exhibited an optical absorption edge at ∼800 nm,p-type conduction and a distinct photoresponse up to 640 nm while demonstrating high thermochemical stability. A nanocomposite of BCNFCo and g-C₃N₄(CN) was prepared via a facile solvent-assisted exfoliation/blending approach using dichlorobenzene and glycerol at a moderate temperature. The exfoliation of g-C₃N₄followed by wrapping on perovskite established an effective heterojunction between the materials for charge separation. The conjugated 2D sheets of CN enabled better charge migration resulting in increased photoelectrochemical performance. A blend composed of 40 wt% perovskites and CN performed optimally, whilst achieving a photocurrent density as high as 1.5 mA cm^-2for sunlight-driven water-splitting with a Faradaic efficiency as high as ∼88%.