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Lu L, Sun M, Wu T, Lu Q, Chen B, Chan CH, Wong HH, Huang B. Transition metal anchored on red phosphorus to enable efficient photocatalytic H 2 generation. Front Chem 2023; 11:1197010. [PMID: 37388947 PMCID: PMC10305857 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1197010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Transition metal (TM) single atom catalysts (SACs) are of great potential for photocatalytic H2 production because of their abundant catalytic active sites and cost-effectiveness. As a promising support material, red phosphorus (RP) based SACs are still rarely investigated. In this work, we have carried out systematic theoretical investigations by anchoring TM atoms (Fe, Co, Ni, Cu) on RP for efficient photocatalytic H2 generation. Our density functional theory (DFT) calculations have revealed that 3d orbitals of TM locate close to the Fermi level to guarantee efficient electron transfer for photocatalytic performances. Compared with pristine RP, the introduction of single atom TM on the surface exhibit narrowed bandgaps, resulting in easier spatial separation for photon-generated charge carriers and an extended photocatalytic absorption window to the NIR range. Meanwhile, the H2O adsorptions are also highly preferred on the TM single atoms with strong electron exchange, which benefits the subsequent water-dissociation process. Due to the optimized electronic structure, the activation energy barrier of water-splitting has been remarkably reduced in RP-based SACs, revealing their promising potential for high-efficiency H2 production. Our comprehensive explorations and screening of novel RP-based SACs will offer a good reference for further designing novel photocatalysts for high-efficiency H2 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mingzi Sun
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qiuyang Lu
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Baian Chen
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cheuk Hei Chan
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hon Ho Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bolong Huang
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Research Centre for Carbon-Strategic Catalysis, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Du Z, Yang K, Du H, Li B, Wang K, He S, Wang T, Ai W. Facile and Scalable Synthesis of Self-Supported Zn-Doped CuO Nanosheet Arrays for Efficient Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:5172-5179. [PMID: 36650087 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c19011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
CuO has been regarded as a promising catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate (NO3-RR) to ammonium (NH3); however, the intrinsic activity is greatly restricted by its poor electrical property. In this work, self-supported Zn-doped CuO nanosheet arrays (Zn-CuO NAs) are synthesized for NO3-RR, where the Zn dopant regulates the electronic structure of CuO to significantly accelerate the interfacial charge transfer and inner electron transport kinetics. The Zn-CuO NAs are constructed by a one-step etching of commercial brass (Cu64Zn36 alloy) in 0.1 M NaOH solution, which experiences a corrosion-oxidation-reconstruction process. Initially, the brass undergoes a dealloying procedure to produce nanosized Cu, which is immediately oxidized to the Cu2O unit with a low valence state. Subsequently, Cu2O is further oxidized to the CuO unit and reconstructed into nanosheets with the coprecipitation of Zn2+. For NO3-RR, Zn-CuO NAs show a high NH3 production rate of 945.1 μg h-1 cm-2 and a Faradaic efficiency of up to 95.6% at -0.7 V in 0.1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte with 0.01 M NaNO3, which outperforms the majority of the state-of-the-art catalysts. The present work offers a facile yet very efficient strategy for the scale-up synthesis of Zn-CuO NAs for high-performance NH3 production from NO3-RR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuzhu Du
- Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University & Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Kai Yang
- Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University & Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Hongfang Du
- Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University & Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an 710072, China
- Fujian Cross Strait Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technologies), Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Boxin Li
- Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University & Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University & Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Song He
- Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University & Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Tingfeng Wang
- Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University & Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Wei Ai
- Ningbo Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University & Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), Xi'an 710072, China
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Tailoring Structure: Current Design Strategies and Emerging Trends to Hierarchical Catalysts. Catalysts 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/catal12101152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature mimicking implies the design of nanostructured materials, which can be assembled into a hierarchical structure, thus outperforming the features of the neat components because of their multiple length scale organization. This approach can be effectively exploited for the design of advanced photocatalysts with superior catalytic activity for energy and environment applications with considerable development in the recent six years. In this context, we propose a review on the state of the art for hierarchical photocatalyst production. Particularly, different synthesis strategies are presented, including template-free structuring, and organic, inorganic, and hybrid templating. Furthermore, emerging approaches based on hybrid and bio-waste templating are also highlighted. Finally, a critical comparison among available methods is carried out based on the envisaged application.
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Xiang D, Hao X, Jin Z. Co 2P/CoP quantum dots surface heterojunction derived from amorphous Co 3O 4 quantum dots for efficient photocatalytic H 2 production. J Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 627:692-704. [PMID: 35878460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.07.102] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Amorphous/crystalline heterostructures show excellent potential in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) as they can significantly facilitate surface adsorption and redox reactions. Herein, a unique amorphous Co2P/crystalline CoP quantum dots (Co2P/CoP QDs) Type-II surface heterojunction was derived from amorphous Co3O4 QDs via phosphorization. The intimate contact between Co2P QDs and CoP QDs was conducive to charge transfer, thereby promoting surface reaction kinetics. The unique structure and properties were beneficial to providing more active sites and controlling the electronic structures thus making amorphous/crystalline composites show superior photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production performance. Additionally, the amorphous Co2P QDs had a plethora of unsaturated bonds and abundant defects; the disordered structure led to increased active sites that promoted surface reaction kinetics. Due to the synergistic effect of the quantum confinement of QDs and the surface heterojunction, the charge transfer efficiency of Co2P/CoP QDs was extremely high, and high H2 evolution activity and photostability were achieved. The maximum H2 generation rate over the Co2P/CoP QDs composite reached 11.88 mmol h-1 g-1 with an apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) of 3.88 % at 420 nm, which is roughly 20-times that of the pure Co3O4 QDs. In addition, high photostability was realized; even the photocatalyst that stood for a week reached initial photoactivity. This work offers a novel idea for reasonably establishing amorphous/crystalline photocatalysts to achieve efficient H2 evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingzhou Xiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Key Laboratory of Solar Chemical Conversion Technology, and Key Laboratory for Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, PR China
| | - Xuqiang Hao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Key Laboratory of Solar Chemical Conversion Technology, and Key Laboratory for Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, PR China.
| | - Zhiliang Jin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia Key Laboratory of Solar Chemical Conversion Technology, and Key Laboratory for Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, North Minzu University, Yinchuan 750021, PR China.
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Yu XH, Yi JL, Zhang RL, Wang FY, Liu L. Hollow carbon spheres and their noble metal-free hybrids in catalysis. Front Chem Sci Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11705-021-2097-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Wang F, Qian G, Kong XP, Zhao X, Hou T, Chen L, Fang R, Li Y. Hierarchical Double-Shelled CoP Nanocages for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven CO 2 Reduction. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:45609-45618. [PMID: 34542276 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c13881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Visible-light-driven photocatalytic CO2 reduction is considered an appealing strategy to mitigate the energy crisis and environmental issues, whereas the reactivity is limited due to the difficulties in activation of inert CO2 molecule and efficient transportation of photoinduced carriers. Herein, we report the design of novel Fe doped CoP hierarchical double-shelled nanocages (Fe-CoP HDSNC) via a MOF-templated approach for highly efficient visible-light-driven CO2 reduction. The unique hierarchical double-shelled hollow architectures can greatly shorten the charge transfer distances and also expose abundant reactive sites. Moreover, Fe atoms doping is able to reduce the CO2 activation energy barrier through stabilizing the *COOH intermediates and promote the CO desorption by destabilizing the CO* adduct. As expected, the Fe-CoP HDSNC achieves an unprecedented catalytic efficiency in visible-light-driven CO2 reduction with an up to 3.25% apparent quantum yield and 90.3% CO selectivity, superior to most of the state-of-the-art photocatalysts under comparable conditions. More importantly, the Fe-CoP HDSNC is also highly effective under diluted CO2 atmosphere, suggesting the practicability of the present photocatalytic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengliang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Gan Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Sauvage Laboratory for Smart Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Tingting Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Liyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Ruiqi Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yingwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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Efficient hydrogen generation of vector Z-scheme CaTiO 3/Cu/TiO 2 photocatalyst assisted by cocatalyst Cu nanoparticles. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 605:373-384. [PMID: 34332411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.07.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Herein, the CaTiO3/Cu/TiO2 all-solid-state Z-scheme heterojunction is successfully designed via Cu nanoparticles situating at the interface between CaTiO3 and TiO2 with a new synthesis route. Interestingly, TiO2 nanosheets are generated in-situ on the surface of CaTiO3 in the second step hydrothermal reaction. The lifetimes of photoexcited carriers, photoluminescence emission spectra and transient photocurrent response tests have confirmed that the efficient Z-scheme charge transmission path of the CaTiO3/Cu/TiO2 is beneficial to facilitate the separation of photogenerated carriers and reduce their recombination efficiency. As expected, the hydrogen generation rate of CaTiO3/Cu/TiO2 is increased to 23.550 mmol g-1h-1 with the appropriate amount of copper loading, which is about 981 times and 93 times higher than that of pristine CaTiO3 (0.024 mmol g-1h-1) and CaTiO3/TiO2 (0.253 mmol g-1h-1), respectively. Furthermore, the CaTiO3/Cu/TiO2 sample shows good stability in cycle experiments. Particularly, experimental results show that the non-noble metal Cu nanoparticles can be an effective electron mediator. And these merits strongly demonstrate that the CaTiO3/Cu/TiO2 composites have potential application in photocatalytic field. This study can provide fundamental guidance for designing rationally efficient non-noble metal vector Z-scheme system photocatalysts with outstanding photocatalytic H2 generation performance.
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