1
|
Liu Y, Pulignani C, Webb S, Cobb SJ, Rodríguez-Jiménez S, Kim D, Milton RD, Reisner E. Electrostatic [FeFe]-hydrogenase-carbon nitride assemblies for efficient solar hydrogen production. Chem Sci 2024; 15:6088-6094. [PMID: 38665532 PMCID: PMC11040649 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc00640b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The assembly of semiconductors as light absorbers and enzymes as redox catalysts offers a promising approach for sustainable chemical synthesis driven by light. However, achieving the rational design of such semi-artificial systems requires a comprehensive understanding of the abiotic-biotic interface, which poses significant challenges. In this study, we demonstrate an electrostatic interaction strategy to interface negatively charged cyanamide modified graphitic carbon nitride (NCNCNX) with an [FeFe]-hydrogenase possessing a positive surface charge around the distal FeS cluster responsible for electron uptake into the enzyme. The strong electrostatic attraction enables efficient solar hydrogen (H2) production via direct interfacial electron transfer (DET), achieving a turnover frequency (TOF) of 18 669 h-1 (4 h) and a turnover number (TON) of 198 125 (24 h). Interfacial characterizations, including quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), photoelectrochemical impedance spectroscopy (PEIS), intensity-modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS), and transient photocurrent spectroscopy (TPC) have been conducted on the semi-artificial carbon nitride-enzyme system to provide a comprehensive understanding for the future development of photocatalytic hybrid assemblies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongpeng Liu
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Carolina Pulignani
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Sophie Webb
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva Geneva 41211 Switzerland
- National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Catalysis, University of Geneva Geneva 41211 Switzerland
| | - Samuel J Cobb
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | | | - Dongseok Kim
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| | - Ross D Milton
- Department of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Geneva Geneva 41211 Switzerland
- National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Catalysis, University of Geneva Geneva 41211 Switzerland
| | - Erwin Reisner
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge CB2 1EW UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu C, Li F, Wang L, Li Z, Zhao Y, Li Y, Li W, Zhao Z, Fan K, Li F, Sun L. Polymeric viologen-based electron transfer mediator for improving the photoelectrochemical water splitting on Sb 2Se 3 photocathode. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 4:291-299. [PMID: 38933506 PMCID: PMC11197680 DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.03.013] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The photogenerated charge carrier separation and transportation of inside photocathodes can greatly influence the performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) H2 production devices. Coupling TiO2 with p-type semiconductors to construct heterojunction structures is one of the most widely used strategies to facilitate charge separation and transportation. However, the band position of TiO2 could not perfectly match with all p-type semiconductors. Here, taking antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) as an example, a rational strategy was developed by introducing a viologen electron transfer mediator (ETM) containing polymeric film (poly-1,1'-dially-[4,4'-bipyridine]-1,1'-diium, denoted as PV2+) at the interface between Sb2Se3 and TiO2 to regulate the energy band alignment, which could inhibit the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers of interfaces. With Pt as a catalyst, the constructed Sb2Se3/PV2+/TiO2/Pt photocathode showed a superior PEC hydrogen generation activity with a photocurrent density of -18.6 mA cm-2 vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a half-cell solar-to-hydrogen efficiency (HC-STH) of 1.54% at 0.17 V vs. RHE, which was much better than that of the related Sb2Se3/TiO2/Pt photocathode without PV2+ (-9.8 mA cm-2, 0.51% at 0.10 V vs. RHE).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Fusheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Linqin Wang
- Center of Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuels, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zeju Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yilong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yingzheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Wenlong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Ziqi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Ke Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Licheng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Institute of Artificial Photosynthesis, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Centre on Molecular Devices, Institute for Energy Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- Center of Artificial Photosynthesis for Solar Fuels, School of Science, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Department of Chemistry, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 10044, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xia M, Pan L, Liu Y, Gao J, Li J, Mensi M, Sivula K, Zakeeruddin SM, Ren D, Grätzel M. Efficient Cu 2O Photocathodes for Aqueous Photoelectrochemical CO 2 Reduction to Formate and Syngas. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27939-27949. [PMID: 38090815 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (PEC-CO2R) represents a promising approach for producing renewable fuels and chemicals using solar energy. However, attaining even modest solar-to-fuel (STF) conversion efficiency often necessitates the use of costly semiconductors and noble-metal catalysts. Herein, we present a Cu2O/Ga2O3/TiO2 photocathode modified with Sn/SnOx catalysts through a simple photoelectrodeposition method. It achieves a remarkable half-cell STF efficiency of ∼0.31% for the CO2R in aqueous KHCO3 electrolyte, under AM 1.5 G illumination. The system enables efficient production of syngas (FE: ∼62%, CO/H2 ≈ 1:2) and formate (FE: ∼38%) with a consistent selectivity over a wide potential range, from +0.34 to -0.16 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode. We ascribe the observed performance to the favorable optoelectronic characteristics of our Cu2O heterostructure and the efficient Sn/SnOx catalysts incorporated in the PEC-CO2R reactions. Through comprehensive experimental investigations, we elucidate the indispensable role of Cu2O buried p-n junctions in generating a high photovoltage (∼1 V) and enabling efficient bulk charge separation (up to ∼70% efficiency). Meanwhile, we discover that the deposited Sn/SnOx catalysts have critical dual effects on the overall performance of the PEC devices, serving as active CO2R catalysts as well as the semiconductor front contact. It could facilitate interfacial electron transfer between the catalysts and the semiconductor device for CO2R by establishing a barrier-free ohmic contact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng Xia
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Linfeng Pan
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yongpeng Liu
- Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Optoelectronic Nanomaterials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jing Gao
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jun Li
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mounir Mensi
- Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1951 Sion, Switzerland
| | - Kevin Sivula
- Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Optoelectronic Nanomaterials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Shaik M Zakeeruddin
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dan Ren
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710049 Xi'an, China
| | - Michael Grätzel
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma Z, Chen K, Jaworski A, Chen J, Rokicińska A, Kuśtrowski P, Dronskowski R, Slabon A. Structural Properties of NdTiO 2+xN 1-x and Its Application as Photoanode. Inorg Chem 2021; 60:919-929. [PMID: 33371676 PMCID: PMC7884013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.0c03041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Mixed-anion inorganic compounds offer
diverse functionalities as
a function of the different physicochemical characteristics of the
secondary anion. The quaternary metal oxynitrides, which originate
from substituting oxygen anions (O2–) in a parent
oxide by nitrogen (N3–), are encouraging candidates
for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting because of their suitable
and adjustable narrow band gap and relative negative conduction band
(CB) edge. Given the known photochemical activity of LaTiO2N, we investigated the paramagnetic counterpart NdTiO2+xN1–x. The electronic
structure was explored both experimentally and theoretically at the
density functional theory (DFT) level. A band gap (Eg) of 2.17 eV was determined by means of ultraviolet–visible
(UV–vis) spectroscopy, and a relative negative flat band potential
of −0.33 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) was proposed
via Mott–Schottky measurements. 14N solid state
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals from NdTiO2+xN1–x could not
be detected, which indicates that NdTiO2+xN1–x is berthollide, in contrast
to other structurally related metal oxynitrides. Although the bare
particle-based photoanode did not exhibit a noticeable photocurrent,
Nb2O5 and CoOx overlayers
were deposited to extract holes and activate NdTiO2+xN1–x. Multiple electrochemical
methods were employed to understand the key features required for
this metal oxynitride to fabricate photoanodes. The structural properties of the prospective metal oxynitride
NdTiO2+xN1−x were experimentally and theoretically investigated. The band
edge positions make the compound theoretically suitable for overall
photochemical water splitting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zili Ma
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Kaixuan Chen
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Aleksander Jaworski
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16 C, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jianhong Chen
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16 C, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Rokicińska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Kuśtrowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 2, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Richard Dronskowski
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany.,Hoffmann Institute of Advanced Materials, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Liuxian Blvd 7098, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Adam Slabon
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 16 C, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|