Vapor Phase Processing of α-Fe₂O₃ Photoelectrodes for Water Splitting: An Insight into the Structure/Property Interplay

Unveiling Enhanced PEC Water Oxidation: Morphology Tuning and Interfacial Phase Change in α-Fe2O3@K-OMS-2 Branched Core-Shell Nanoarrays

A simple fabrication method that involves two steps of hydrothermal reaction has been demonstrated for the growth of α-Fe2O3@K-OMS-2 branched core-shell nanoarrays. Different reactant concentrations in the shell-forming step led to different morphologies in the resultant composites, denoted as 0.25 OC, 0.5 OC, and 1.0 OC. Both 0.25 OC and 0.5 OC formed perfect branched core-shell structures, with 0.5 OC possessing longer branches, which were observed by SEM and TEM. The core K-OMS-2 and shell α-Fe2O3 were confirmed by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), EDS mapping, and atomic alignment from high-resolution STEM images. Further investigation with high-resolution HAADF-STEM, EELS, and XPS indicated the existence of an ultrathin layer of Mn3O4 sandwiched at the interface. All composite materials offered greatly enhanced photocurrent density at 1.23 VRHE, compared to the pristine Fe2O3 photoanode (0.33 mA/cm2), and sample 0.5 OC showed the highest photocurrent density of 2.81 mA/cm2. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance was evaluated for the samples by conducting linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), applied bias photo-to-current efficiency (ABPE), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), incident-photo-to-current efficiency (IPCE), transient photocurrent responses, and stability tests. The charge separation and transfer efficiencies, together with the electrochemically active surface area, were also investigated. The significant enhancement in sample 0.5 OC is ascribed to the synergetic effect brought by the longer branches in the core-shell structure, the conductive K-OMS-2 core, and the formation of the Mn3O4 thin layer formed between the core and shell.

Quantitative Determination the Role of the Intrabandgap States in Water Photooxidation over Hematite Electrodes

The intrabandgap states on the hematite (α-Fe2O3) electrodes are believed to play an important role in water photooxidation. Yet, it is not fully understood how the intrabandgap states are involved in the reaction. In this work, the intraband-gap states in water photooxidation on α-Fe2O3 electrodes are investigated by a combination of multiple (photo-) electrochemical techniques and operando spectroscopic methods. Two kinds of surface states are observed on the electrodes during water photooxidation, and their roles are quantitatively determined by the correlation with the steady-state photocurrent. It is demonstrated that the intrinsic electronic surface state close to the conduction band can act only as the recombination center for the photocarriers. However, the photogenerated surface state closer to the valence band is revealed to be the reactant in the rate-determining step in oxygen evolution reaction. These findings may be beneficial to elucidate the actual function of the surface states and provide insights into the kinetic and mechanism studies of water photooxidation on the α-Fe2O3 electrodes.

Surface Rh-Boosted Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation of α-Fe2O3 by Reduced Overpotential in the Rate-Determining Step

The photoelectrochemical behavior of Rh cluster-deposited hematite (α-Fe2O3) photoanodes (α-Fe2O3@Rh) was investigated. The interactions between Rh clusters and α-Fe2O3 nanorods were elucidated both experimentally and computationally. A facile UV-assisted solution casting deposition method allowed the deposition of 2 nm Rh clusters on α-Fe2O3. The deposited Rh clusters effectively enhanced the photoelectrochemical performance of the α-Fe2O3 photoanode, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott-Schottky analysis were applied to understand the working mechanism for the α-Fe2O3@Rh photoanodes. The results revealed a distinctive carrier transport mechanism for α-Fe2O3@Rh and increased carrier density, while the absorbance spectra remained unchanged. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) mechanism corresponded well with the experimental results, indicating a reduced overpotential of the rate-determining step. In addition, DFT calculation models based on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results provided precise water-splitting mechanisms for the fabricated α-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3@Rh nanorods. Owing to enhanced carrier generation and hole transfer, the optimum α-Fe2O3@Rh3 sample showed 78% increased photocurrent density, reaching 1.12 mA/cm-2 at 1.23 VRHE compared to that of the pristine α-Fe2O3 nanorods electrode.

Advances in Engineered Metal Oxide Thin Films by Low-Cost, Solution-Based Techniques for Green Hydrogen Production

Functional oxide materials have become crucial in the continuous development of various fields, including those for energy applications. In this aspect, the synthesis of nanomaterials for low-cost green hydrogen production represents a huge challenge that needs to be overcome to move toward the next generation of efficient systems and devices. This perspective presents a critical assessment of hydrothermal and polymeric precursor methods as potential approaches to designing photoelectrodes for future industrial implementation. The main conditions that can affect the photoanode's physical and chemical characteristics, such as morphology, particle size, defects chemistry, dimensionality, and crystal orientation, and how they influence the photoelectrochemical performance are highlighted in this report. Strategies to tune and engineer photoelectrode and an outlook for developing efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion using an inexpensive and stable material will also be addressed.

Elevating the charge separation of MgFe2O4 nanostructures by Zn ions for enhanced photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water splitting

Magnesium ferrites (MgFe₂O₄) are important class of ferrites that have been receiving greater attention as promising excellent photocatalyst due to its low cost, wide light spectrum response and environment-friendly nature. However, its poor electronic conductivity and fast charge carrier recombination hinders its electrocatalytical applications. Hence, accelerating charge carriers separation efficiency is important to modify the photoelectrochemical performance of MgFe₂O₄. Herein, novel Zn ions doped MgFe₂O₄ nanospheres are fabricated for the first time. Zn ions are doped into MgFe₂O₄ nanostructures from surface to enhance their charge separation efficiency. The doped MgFe₂O₄ nanostructures show significant photocatalytic activity and enhanced photocurrent density than that of pristine MgFe₂O₄.The improved photoelectrocatalytic performance is attributed to doping effect, were Zn ions actually enhance the conductivity. Zn ions enhance the activity of MgFe₂O₄ and accelerate the charge transfer properties in MgFe₂O₄. The results highlight that Zn doped MgFe₂O₄ nanospheres could be a potential candidate for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications.

Solvothermal phase change induced morphology transformation in CdS/CoFe2O4@Fe2O3 hierarchical nanosphere arrays as ternary heterojunction photoanodes for solar water splitting

The design of efficient heterojunction photoanodes with appropriate band alignment and ease of charge separation has been one of the most highly focused research areas in photoelectrodes.

Solution-Processed Synthesis of Copper Oxide (Cu x O) Thin Films for Efficient Photocatalytic Solar Water Splitting

This article reports a solution-processed synthesis of copper oxide (Cu x O) to be used as a potential photocathode for solar hydrogen production in the solar water-splitting system. Cu x O thin films were synthesized through the reduction of copper iodide (CuI) thin films by sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which were deposited by the spin coating method from CuI solution in a polar aprotic solvent (acetonitrile). The phase and crystalline quality of the synthesized Cu x O thin films prepared at various annealing temperatures were investigated using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy studies confirm the presence of Cu2O, CuO/Cu2O mixed phase, and pure CuO phase at annealing temperatures of 250, 300, and 350 °C, respectively. It is revealed from the experimental findings that the synthesized Cu x O thin films with an annealing temperature of 350 °C possess the highest crystallinity, smooth surface morphology, and higher carrier density. The highest photocurrent density of -19.12 mA/cm2 at -1 V versus RHE was achieved in the photoelectrochemical solar hydrogen production system with the use of the Cu x O photocathode annealed at a temperature of 350 °C. Therefore, it can be concluded that Cu x O synthesized by the spin coating method through the acetonitrile solvent route can be used as an efficient photocathode in the solar water-splitting system.

Copper Vanadate Nanobelts as Anodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Influence of CoOx Overlayers on Functional Performances

The design and development of environmentally friendly and robust anodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting plays a critical role for the efficient conversion of radiant energy into hydrogen fuel. In this regard, quasi-1D copper vanadates (CuV₂O₆) were grown on conductive substrates by a hydrothermal procedure and processed for use as anodes in PEC cells, with particular attention on the role exerted by cobalt oxide (CoO_x) overlayers deposited by radio frequency (RF) sputtering. The target materials were characterized in detail by a multitechnique approach with the aim at elucidating the interplay between their structure, composition, morphology, and the resulting activity as photoanodes. Functional tests were performed by standard electrochemical techniques like linear sweep voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, and by the less conventional intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy, yielding an important insight into the material PEC properties. The obtained results highlight that, despite the fact that the supposedly favorable band alignment between CuV₂O₆ and Co₃O₄ did not yield a net current density increase, cobalt oxide-functionalized anodes afforded a remarkable durability enhancement, an important prerequisite for their eventual real-world applications. The concurrent phenomena accounting for the observed behavior are presented and discussed in relation to material physico-chemical properties.

Exploration of Advanced Electrode Materials for Approaching High-Performance Nickel-Based Superbatteries

The surging interest in high performance, low-cost, and safe energy storage devices has spurred tremendous research efforts in the development of advanced electrode active materials. Herein, the in situ growth of zinc-iron layered double hydroxide (Zn-Fe LDH) on graphene aerogel (GA) substrates through a facile, one-pot hydrothermal method is reported. The strong interaction and efficient electronic coupling between LDH and graphene substantially improve interfacial charge transport properties of the resulting nanocomposite and provide more available redox active sites for faradaic reactions. An LDH-GA||Ni(OH)₂ device is also fabricated that results in greatly enhanced specific capacity (187 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 A g^-1 ), outstanding specific energy (147 Wh kg^-1 ), excellent specific power (16.7 kW kg^-1 ), along with 88% capacity retention after >10 000 cycles. This approach is further extended to Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries to demonstrate the feasibility of compositing with graphene for boosting the energy storage performance of other well-known Ni-based batteries. In contrast to conventional Ni-based batteries, the nearly flat voltage plateau followed by a sloping potential profile of the integrated supercapacitor-battery enables it to be discharged down to 0 V without being damaged. These findings provide new prospects for the design of high-performance and affordable superbatteries based on earth-abundant elements.

Fast and Controllable Synthesis of Core-Shell Fe3O4-C Nanoparticles by Aerosol CVD

A method for simple and fast (30-60 s) synthesis of spherical "Fe₃O₄ core-carbon shell" structures by atmospheric pressure aerosol pyrolysis of benzoic acid in dimethylformamide solutions containing dispersed Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles is described. It has been experimentally shown that it is possible to control both the size of the core-shell particles and the size of Fe₃O₄ grains and their amount in the particle core by the variation of benzoic acid concentration in solution and using pre-stabilized by mannitol iron oxide nanoparticles. It has been found that particles with an average size of 250-350 nm are formed at the concentration of benzoic acid in the range 0.5-1 mol/L. At a concentration of about 1 mol/L, preliminary stabilization of iron oxide nanoparticles by mannitol with a size of about 180 nm is performed.

Perovskite Structure Associated with Precious Metals: Influence on Heterogenous Catalytic Process

The use of perovskite-based materials and their derivatives can have an important role in the heterogeneous catalytic field based on photochemical processes. Photochemical reactions have a great potential to solve environmental damage issues. The presence of precious metals in the perovskite structure (i.e., Ag, Au, or Pt) may improve its efficiency significantly. The precious metal may comprise the perovskite lattice as well as form a heterostructure with it. The efficiency of catalytic materials is directly related to processing conditions. Based on this, this review will address the use of perovskite materials combined with precious metal as well as their processing methods for the use in catalyzed reactions.

Surface Functionalization of Grown-on-Tip ZnO Nanopyramids: From Fabrication to Light-Triggered Applications

We report on a combined chemical vapor deposition (CVD)/radio frequency (RF) sputtering synthetic strategy for the controlled surface modification of ZnO nanostructures by Ti-containing species. Specifically, the proposed approach consists in the CVD of grown-on-tip ZnO nanopyramids, followed by titanium RF sputtering under mild conditions. The results obtained by a thorough characterization demonstrate the successful ZnO surface functionalization with dispersed Ti-containing species in low amounts. This phenomenon, in turn, yields a remarkable enhancement of photoactivated superhydrophilic behavior, self-cleaning ability, and photocatalytic performances in comparison to bare ZnO. The reasons accounting for such an improvement are unravelled by a multitechnique analysis, elucidating the interplay between material chemico-physical properties and the corresponding functional behavior. Overall, the proposed strategy stands as an amenable tool for the mastering of semiconductor-based functional nanoarchitectures through ad hoc engineering of the system surface.

Atomic layer deposition of Cu(i) oxide films using Cu(ii) bis(dimethylamino-2-propoxide) and water

To grow films of Cu₂O, bis-(dimethylamino-2-propoxide)Cu(ii), or Cu(dmap), is used as an atomic layer deposition precursor using only water vapor as a co-reactant. Between 110 and 175 °C, a growth rate of 0.12 ± 0.02 Å per cycle was measured using an in situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirms the growth of metal-oxide films featuring Cu(i).

Insights into the enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of hydrothermally controlled hematite nanostructures for proficient solar water oxidation

A controlled hydrothermal reaction time showed an improvement in the PEC performance of 1D α-Fe₂O₃ nanorods due to an optimum aspect ratio and Sn⁴⁺ diffusion.

Design Rules for Oxygen Evolution Catalysis at Porous Iron Oxide Electrodes: A 1000-Fold Current Density Increase

Nanotubular iron(III) oxide electrodes are optimized for catalytic efficiency in the water oxidation reaction at neutral pH. The nanostructured electrodes are prepared from anodic alumina templates, which are coated with Fe₂ O₃ by atomic layer deposition. Scanning helium ion microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy are used to characterize the morphologies and phases of samples submitted to various treatments. These methods demonstrate the contrasting effects of thermal annealing and electrochemical treatment. The electrochemical performances of the corresponding electrodes under dark conditions are quantified by steady-state electrolysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A rough and amorphous Fe₂ O₃ with phosphate incorporation is critical for the optimization of the water oxidation reaction. For the ideal pore length of 17 μm, the maximum catalytic turnover is reached with an effective current density of 140 μA cm^-2 at an applied overpotential of 0.49 V.

Plasmon enhanced light absorption in aluminium@Hematite core shell hybrid nanocylinders: the critical role of length

The absorbed photon flux in cylindrical α-Fe₂O₃ shells can be enhanced by filling it with an Al core and tailoring its length.

Novel two-step vapor-phase synthesis of UV-Vis light active Fe2O3/WO3 nanocomposites for phenol degradation

Supported Fe₂O₃/WO₃ nanocomposites were fabricated by an original vapor phase approach, involving the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Fe₂O₃ on Ti sheets and the subsequent radio frequency (RF)-sputtering of WO₃. Particular attention was dedicated to the control of the W/Fe ratio, in order to tailor the composition of the resulting materials. The target systems were analyzed by the joint use of complementary techniques, that is, X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and optical absorption spectroscopy. The results showed the uniform decoration of α-Fe₂O₃ (hematite) globular particles by tiny WO₃ aggregates, whose content could be controlled by modulations of the sole sputtering time. The photocatalytic degradation of phenol in the liquid phase was selected as a test reaction for a preliminary investigation of the system behavior in wastewater treatment applications. The system activity under both UV and Vis light illumination may open doors for further material optimization in view of real-world end-uses.

Controlled Growth of Ferrihydrite Branched Nanosheet Arrays and Their Transformation to Hematite Nanosheet Arrays for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

The morphology engineering represents an alternative route toward efficient hematite photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting without changing the chemical composition. In this work, a facile and mild solvothermal synthesis of unique ferrihydrite branched nanosheet arrays vertically aligned on FTO substrate was achieved at around 100 °C. The hierarchical branched ferrihydrite nanosheet arrays consisted of tiny branches up to 40 nm in length grown almost vertically on stem nanosheets ∼10 nm in thickness. Moreover, the variation of the morphology of the ferrihydrite nanostructures from bare nanosheet arrays through branched nanosheet arrays to dense branched structures can be readily achieved through the regulation of the reaction time and temperature. The obtained ferrihydrite branched nanosheet arrays can be in situ transformed into α-Fe2O3 nanosheet arrays with small surface protrusions upon annealing at 550 °C. After a simple postgrowth Ti-doping process, the resulting Ti-doped α-Fe2O3 nanosheet arrays showed a good PEC performance for water splitting with a photocurrent density of 1.79 mA/cm(2) at 1.6 V vs RHE under AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW/cm(2)). In contrast, the Ti-doped irregular aggregates of the α-Fe2O3 nanograins transformed from dense ferrihydrite branched structures exhibited a much lower photocurrent density (0.41 mA/cm(2) at 1.6 V vs RHE), demonstrating the important influence of the morphology of α-Fe2O3 photoanodes on the PEC performance.

Nanocrystal Engineering of Sputter-Grown CuO Photocathode for Visible-Light-Driven Electrochemical Water Splitting

Cupric oxide (CuO) thin film was sputtered onto fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrate and incorporated into a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell as a photocathode. Through in situ nanocrystal engineering, sputtered CuO film shows an improvement in its stability and photocurrent generation capability. For the same CuO film thickness (150 nm), films deposited at a sputtering power of 300 W exhibit a photocurrent of ∼0.92 mAcm(-2) (0 V vs RHE), which is significantly higher than those deposited at 30 W (∼0.58 mAcm(-2)). By increasing the film thickness to 500 nm, the photocurrent is further enhanced to 2.5 mAcm(-2), which represents a photocurrent conversion efficiency of 3.1%. Systematic characterization using Raman, XRD, and HR-TEM reveals that the high sputtering power results in an improvement in CuO film crystallinity, which enhances its charge transport property and, hence, its photocurrent generation capabilities.

Advances in photocatalytic NOx abatement through the use of Fe2O3/TiO2 nanocomposites

Supported Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ nanocomposites were prepared for the first time by a plasma-assisted route and successfully tested in photocatalytic NO_x abatement driven by solar illumination.

Tuning the CuxO nanorod composition for efficient visible light induced photocatalysis

Single and mixed phase Cu₂O/CuO nanorod arrays prepared by thermal oxidation were tested for photocatalysis and photoelectrochemical properties.

Solution combustion synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion

The design and synthesis of metal oxide nanomaterials is one of the key steps for achieving highly efficient energy conversion and storage on an industrial scale. Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) is a time- and energy-saving method as compared with other routes, especially for the preparation of complex oxides which can be easily adapted for scale-up applications. This review summarizes the synthesis of various metal oxide nanomaterials and their applications for energy conversion and storage, including lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen and methane production, fuel cells and solar cells. In particular, some novel concepts such as reverse support combustion, self-combustion of ionic liquids, and creation of oxygen vacancies are presented. SCS has some unique advantages such as its capability for in situ doping of oxides and construction of heterojunctions. The well-developed porosity and large specific surface area caused by gas evolution during the combustion process endow the resulting materials with exceptional properties. The relationship between the structural properties of the metal oxides studied and their performance is discussed. Finally, the conclusions and perspectives are briefly presented.

Pt-functionalized Fe2O3 photoanodes for solar water splitting: the role of hematite nano-organization and the platinum redox state

Pt/α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite photoanodes for solar water splitting are synthesized and deeply investigated to unravel the role of hematite nano-organization and the platinum redox state in photoelectrochemical performances.