Fluid Field Modulation in Mass Transfer for Efficient Photocatalysis

Mass transfer is an essential factor determining photocatalytic performance, which can be modulated by fluid field via manipulating the kinetic characteristics of photocatalysts and photocatalytic intermediates. Past decades have witnessed the efforts and achievements made in manipulating mass transfer based on photocatalyst structure and composition design, and thus, a critical survey that scrutinizes the recent progress in this topic is urgently necessitated. This review examines the basic principles of how mass transfer behavior impacts photocatalytic activity accompanying with the discussion on theoretical simulation calculation including fluid flow speed and pattern. Meanwhile, newly emerged viable photocatalytic micro/nanomotors with self-thermophoresis, self-diffusiophoresis, and bubble-propulsion mechanisms as well as magnet-actuated photocatalytic artificial cilia for facilitating mass transfer will be covered. Furthermore, their applications in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, organic pollution degradation, bacteria disinfection and so forth are scrutinized. Finally, a brief summary and future outlook are presented, providing a viable guideline to those working in photocatalysis, mass transfer, and other related fields.

Optimizing the Electronic Structure of ZnS via Cobalt Surface Doping for Promoted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production

Developing highly efficient semiconductor photocatalysts for H₂ evolution is intriguing, but their efficiency is subjected to the following three critical issues: limited light absorption, low carrier separation efficiency, and sluggish H₂ evolution kinetics. Element surface doping is a feasible strategy to synchronously break through the above limitations. In this study, we prepared a series of Co-surface-doped ZnS photocatalysts to systematically investigate the effects of Co surface doping on photocatalytic activity and electronic structure. The implantation of Co results in the emergence of the impurity level above the valence band (VB) and the upshifted conduction band (CB) and enhances its visible light absorption. Co gradient doping inhibits the combination and facilitates the migration of carriers. S atoms are proven to be reactive active sites for photocatalytic H₂ evolution over both ZnS and Co-doped ZnS. Co doping alters the surface electronic structure and decreases the absolute value for the hydrogen binding free energy (ΔG_H) of the adsorbed hydrogen atom on the catalyst. As a consequence, Co-surface-doped ZnS shows boosted photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity relative to the undoped material. This work provides insights into the mechanistic understanding of the surface element doping modification strategy to developing efficient photocatalysts.

Atomic-Level Charge Separation Strategies in Semiconductor-Based Photocatalysts

Semiconductor-based photocatalysis as a productive technology furnishes a prospective solution to environmental and renewable energy issues, but its efficiency greatly relies on the effective bulk and surface separation of photoexcited charge carriers. Exploitation of atomic-level strategies allows in-depth understanding on the related mechanisms and enables bottom-up precise design of photocatalysts, significantly enhancing photocatalytic activity. Herein, the advances on atomic-level charge separation strategies toward developing robust photocatalysts are highlighted, elucidating the fundamentals of charge separation and transfer processes and advanced probing techniques. The atomic-level bulk charge separation strategies, embodied by regulation of charge movement pathway and migration dynamic, boil down to shortening the charge diffusion distance to the atomic-scale, establishing atomic-level charge transfer channels, and enhancing the charge separation driving force. Meanwhile, regulating the in-plane surface structure and spatial surface structure are summarized as atomic-level surface charge separation strategies. Moreover, collaborative strategies for simultaneous manipulation of bulk and surface photocharges are also introduced. Finally, the existing challenges and future prospects for fabrication of state-of-the-art photocatalysts are discussed on the basis of a thorough comprehension of atomic-level charge separation strategies.

Manipulatable Interface Electric Field and Charge Transfer in a 2D/2D Heterojunction Photocatalyst via Oxygen Intercalation

Charge separation is the most important factor in determining the photocatalytic activity of a 2D/2D heterostructure. Despite the exclusive advantages of 2D/2D heterostructure semiconductor systems such as large surface/volume ratios, their use in photocatalysis is limited due to the low efficiency of charge separation and high recombination rates. As a remedy for the weak interlayer binding and low carrier transport efficiency in 2D/2D heterojunctioned semiconductors, we suggested an impurity intercalation method for the 2D/2D interface. PtS2/C3N4, as a prototype heterojunction material, was employed to investigate the effect of anion intercalation on the charge separation efficiency in a 2D/2D system using density functional theory. With oxygen intercalation at the PtS2/C3N4 interface, a reversed and stronger localized dipole moment and a built-in electric field were induced in the vertical direction of the PtS2/C3N4 interface. This theoretical work suggests that the anion intercalation method can be a way to control built-in electric fields and charge separation in designs of 2D/2D heterostructures that have high photocatalytic activity.

Theoretical insights into photo-induced electron transfer at BiOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) (001) surfaces and interfaces

Self-endowed internal electric field (IEF) of BiOX crystals affects the effective electrons through O → Bi → X → X → Bi → O path to BiOX(001) interfaces with the key roles of X as “Magpie Bridge”.

Active performance of tetrahedral groups to SHG response: theoretical interpretations of Ge/Si-containing borate crystals

Besides the recognized contribution of the π-conjugation configuration of BO₃ to SHG responses, the bridging oxygens between the tetrahedra have a non-negligible influence.