Design of MOF-Derived NiO-Carbon Nanohybrids Photocathodes Sensitized with Quantum Dots for Solar Hydrogen Production

Black Titanium Oxide/Activated TaS2 Flakes Photoelectrode for Plasmon Assisted Hydrogen Evolution at Neutral pH at High Current Density

A heterojunction photo-electrode(s) consisting of porous black titanium oxide (bTiO2) and electrochemically self-activated TaS2 flakes is proposed and utilized for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The self-activated TaS2 flakes provide abundant catalytic sites for HER and the porous bTiO2, prepared by electrochemical anodization and subsequent reduction serves as an efficient light absorber, providing electrons for HER. Additionally, Au nanostructures are introduced between bTiO2 and TaS2 to facilitate the charge transfer and plasmon-triggering ability of the structure created. After structure optimization, high HER catalytic activity at acidic pH and excellent HER activity at neutral pH are achieved at high current densities. In particular, with the utilization of bTiO2@TaS2 photoelectrode (neutral electrolyte, sunlight illumination) current densities of 250 and 500 mA cm-2 are achieved at overpotentials of 433, and 689 mV, respectively, both exceeding the "benchmark" Pt. The addition of gold nanostructures further reduces the overpotential to 360 and 543 mV at 250 and 500 mA cm-2, respectively. The stability of the prepared electrodes is investigated and found to be satisfying within 24 h of performance at high current densities. The proposed system offers an excellent potential alternative to Pt for the development of green hydrogen production on an industrial scale.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) to hydrocarbon fuels

MOF-based photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) using CO2 as an electron donor offers a green, clean, and extensible way to make hydrocarbon fuels under more tolerant conditions. Herein, basic principles of PEC reduction of CO2 and the preparation methods and characterization techniques of MOF-based materials are summarized. Furthermore, three applications of MOFs for improving the photoelectrocatalytic performance of CO2 reduction are described: (i) as photoelectrode alone; (ii) as a co-catalyst of semiconductor photoelectrode or as a substrate for loading dyes, quantum dots, and other co-catalysts; (iii) as one of the components of heterojunction structure. Challenges and future wave surrounding the development of robust PEC CO2 systems based on MOF materials are also discussed briefly.

Redox-active ligands enhance oxygen evolution reaction activity: Regulating the spin state of ferric ions and accelerating electron transfer

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as one of the most promising catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, only a few have introduced redox-active ligands into MOFs and explored their role in the OER process. In this work, we synthesized FeNi DHBQ/NF using the redox-active ligand 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DHBQ), which exhibited excellent redox activity and required only 207 and 242 mV overpotentials to achieve current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm-2. Our research confirms that (i) the doping of Fe leads to the formation of Ni → O → Fe electron transfer channels in the MOFs and stronger electron transfer, attributed to the stronger d-π conjugation between the metal center and the ligand and reduced the d-orbital crystal field splitting energy of Fe3+; (ii) the rate determination step (RDS) in the OER process of the catalyst is the formation of O*, while Fe and redox-active ligands effectively regulate the adsorption energy of oxygen-containing intermediates, reducing the energy barrier of the RDS; (iii) the redox-active ligands can act as "electron reservoirs" in the electrochemical process, making Ni more readily oxidized to Ni3+ or even Ni4+ at low potentials, which is beneficial to the subsequent OER process.

Quantum Dots, Passivation Layer and Cocatalysts for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production

Solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production is one potential pathway to establish a carbon-neutral society. Nowadays, quantum dots (QDs)-sensitized semiconductors have emerged as promising materials for PEC hydrogen production due to their tunable bandgap by size or morphology control, displaying excellent optical and electrical properties. Nevertheless, they still suffer from anodic corrosion during long-term cycling, offering poor stability. This Review discussed advancements to improve long-term stability of QDs particularly in terms of cocatalysts and passivation layers. The working principle of PEC cells was reviewed, along with all important configurations adopted over recent years. The equations to assess PEC performance were also described. A greater emphasized was placed on QDs and incorporation of cocatalysts or passivation layers that could enhance the PEC performance by influencing the charge transfer and surface recombination processes.