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Chen M, Wu Y, Wan Q, Lin S. Theoretical Study of p-Block Metal Single-Atom-Loaded Carbon Nitride Catalyst for Photocatalytic Water Splitting. Molecules 2024; 29:2030. [PMID: 38731520 PMCID: PMC11085354 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), recognized for its considerable potential as a heterogeneous photocatalyst in water splitting, has attracted extensive research interest. By using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the regulatory role of p-block metal (PM) single atoms on the photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 in overall water splitting was systematically explored. The incorporation of PM atoms (Ge, Sn and Pb) led to a reduction in the overpotentials required for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Combined with the electronic structures analysis via hybrid functional, it was found that the introduction of Ge, Sn or Pb optimizes the positions of the valence band maximum (VBM) and the conduction band minimum (CBM), providing a robust driving force for HER and ensuring substantial driving force for OER. Meanwhile, the presence of these three PMs induces the spatial separation of VBM and CBM, inhibiting the recombination of carriers. These findings have significant implications for the design and preparation of efficient photocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengning Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China; (M.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yidi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China; (M.C.); (Y.W.)
| | - Qiang Wan
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Advanced Catalysis Materials, Institute of Physical Chemistry, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
| | - Sen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350116, China; (M.C.); (Y.W.)
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Fu X, He F, Liu X, Ge B, Zhang D, Chang Q, Gao J, Li X, Huang C, Li Y. Direct solar energy conversion on zinc-air battery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318777121. [PMID: 38547057 PMCID: PMC10998616 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318777121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
A concept of solar energy convertible zinc-air battery (SZAB) is demonstrated through rational design of an electrode coupled with multifunction. The multifunctional electrode is fabricated using nitrogen-substituted graphdiyne (N-GDY) with large π-conjugated carbonous network, which can work as photoresponsive bifunctional electrocatalyst, enabling a sunlight-promoted process through efficient injection of photoelectrons into the conduction band of N-GDY. SZAB enables direct conversion and storage of solar energy during the charging process. Such a battery exhibits a lowered charge voltage under illumination, corresponding to a high energy efficiency of 90.4% and electric energy saving of 30.3%. The battery can display a power conversion efficiency as high as 1.02%. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the photopromoted oxygen evolution reaction kinetics originates from the transition from the alkyne bonds to double bonds caused by the transfer of excited electrons, which changes the position of highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, thus greatly promoting the formation of intermediates to the conversion process. Our findings provide conceptual and experimental confirmation that batteries are charged directly from solar energy without the external solar cells, providing a way to manufacture future energy devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlong Fu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Feng He
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
| | - Xin Liu
- School of Energy Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin150001, China
| | - Binghui Ge
- Information Materials and Intelligent Sensing Laboratory of Anhui Province, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Anhui University, Hefei230039, China
| | - Deyi Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Qian Chang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
| | - Jingchi Gao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
| | - Changshui Huang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Yuliang Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), CAS Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
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Liu Q, Wang X, Yu J, Wang J. Graphyne and graphdiyne nanoribbons: from their structures and properties to potential applications. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:1541-1563. [PMID: 38165768 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04393b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Graphyne (GY) and graphdiyne (GDY) have properties including unique sp- and sp2-hybrid carbon atomic structures, natural non-zero band gaps, and highly conjugated π electrons. GY and GDY have good application prospects in many fields, including catalysis, solar cells, sensors, and modulators. Under the influence of the boundary effect and quantum size effect, quasi-one-dimensional graphyne nanoribbons (GYNRs) and graphdiyne nanoribbons (GDYNRs) show novel physical properties. The various structures available give GYNRs and GDYNRs greater band structure and electronic properties, and their excellent physical and chemical properties differ from those of two-dimensional GY and GDY. However, the development of GYNRs and GDYNRs still faces problems, including issues with accurate synthesis, advanced structural characterization, the structure-performance correlation of materials, and potential applications. In this review, the structures and physical properties of quasi-one-dimensional GYNRs and GDYNRs are reviewed, their advantages and disadvantages are summarized, and their potential applications are highlighted. This review provides a meaningful basis and research foundation for the design and development of high-performance materials and devices based on GYNRs and GDYNRs in the field of energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaohan Liu
- College of Science, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaorong Wang
- School of petrochemical engineering, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, P. R. China
| | - Jing Yu
- College of Science, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, P. R. China.
| | - Jingang Wang
- College of Science, Liaoning Petrochemical University, Fushun 113001, P. R. China.
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Li H, Lim JH, Lv Y, Li N, Kang B, Lee JY. Graphynes and Graphdiynes for Energy Storage and Catalytic Utilization: Theoretical Insights into Recent Advances. Chem Rev 2023; 123:4795-4854. [PMID: 36921251 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Carbon allotropes have contributed to all aspects of people's lives throughout human history. As emerging carbon-based low-dimensional materials, graphyne family members (GYF), represented by graphdiyne, have a wide range potential applications due to their superior physical and chemical properties. In particular, graphdiyne (GDY), as the leader of the graphyne family, has been practically applied to various research fields since it was first successfully synthesized. GYF have a large surface area, both sp and sp2 hybridization, and a certain band gap, which was considered to originate from the overlap of carbon 2pz orbitals and the inhomogeneous π-bonds of carbon atoms in different hybridization forms. These properties mean GYF-based materials still have many potential applications to be developed, especially in energy storage and catalytic utilization. Since most of the GYF have yet to be synthesized and applications of successfully synthesized GYF have not been developed for a long time, theoretical results in various application fields should be shared to experimentalists to attract more intentions. In this Review, we summarized and discussed the synthesis, structural properties, and applications of GYF-based materials from the theoretical insights, hoping to provide different viewpoints and comments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Korea
| | - Jong Hyeon Lim
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Korea
| | - Yipin Lv
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P. R. China
| | - Nannan Li
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Korea
| | - Baotao Kang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P. R. China
| | - Jin Yong Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 440-746, Korea
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Jakhar M, Kumar A, Ahluwalia PK, Tankeshwar K, Pandey R. Engineering 2D Materials for Photocatalytic Water-Splitting from a Theoretical Perspective. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:2221. [PMID: 35329672 PMCID: PMC8954018 DOI: 10.3390/ma15062221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Splitting of water with the help of photocatalysts has gained a strong interest in the scientific community for producing clean energy, thus requiring novel semiconductor materials to achieve high-yield hydrogen production. The emergence of 2D nanoscale materials with remarkable electronic and optical properties has received much attention in this field. Owing to the recent developments in high-end computation and advanced electronic structure theories, first principles studies offer powerful tools to screen photocatalytic systems reliably and efficiently. This review is organized to highlight the essential properties of 2D photocatalysts and the recent advances in the theoretical engineering of 2D materials for the improvement in photocatalytic overall water-splitting. The advancement in the strategies including (i) single-atom catalysts, (ii) defect engineering, (iii) strain engineering, (iv) Janus structures, (v) type-II heterostructures (vi) Z-scheme heterostructures (vii) multilayer configurations (viii) edge-modification in nanoribbons and (ix) the effect of pH in overall water-splitting are summarized to improve the existing problems for a photocatalytic catalytic reaction such as overcoming large overpotential to trigger the water-splitting reactions without using cocatalysts. This review could serve as a bridge between theoretical and experimental research on next-generation 2D photocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Jakhar
- Department of Physics, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India;
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Physics, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 151401, India;
| | | | - Kumar Tankeshwar
- Department of Physics and Astrophysics, Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh 123031, India;
| | - Ravindra Pandey
- Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA;
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Hou N, Fang XH, Feng R. DFT study of the influence of boron/nitrogen substitution on the electronic and nonlinear optical properties of the benzene-substituted graphdiyne fragment. COMPUT THEOR CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.comptc.2022.113629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Wang B, Sun Y, Yang G. SiCP 4 Monolayer with a Direct Band Gap and High Carrier Mobility for Photocatalytic Water Splitting. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:190-197. [PMID: 34967221 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.1c03708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Photocatalytic water splitting is a promising method that uses sunlight to generate hydrogen from water to provide clean and renewable energy resources. Two-dimensional materials with abundant active sites are ideal candidates for achieving this goal; however, few of the known ones can meet the rigorous requirement of photocatalytic water splitting. By using first-principles swarm-intelligence search calculations, we have successfully identified two new semiconducting SiCP2 and SiCP4 monolayers. Their band-edge heights evidently straddle the redox potentials of water. For the more prominent SiCP4 monolayer, additional external biases of 0.32 V for water oxidation and 0.03 V for the hydrogen reduction half-reaction would be enough to drive its reaction sequences at pH 0, and it can spontaneously proceed to the water oxidation half-reaction in a neutral solution. Interestingly, the excellent optical absorbance ability (∼104 cm-1) and high carrier mobility (∼105 cm2 V-1 s-1) of SiCP2 and SiCP4 facilitate the utilization of sunlight and the fast transportation of photogenerated carriers. All of these properties make SiCP2 and SiCP4 monolayers promising candidates for applications in photocatalytic water splitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and Key Laboratory for Microstructural Material Physics of Hebei Province, School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| | - Yuanhui Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, California 91330, United States
| | - Guochun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Metastable Materials Science & Technology and Key Laboratory for Microstructural Material Physics of Hebei Province, School of Science, Yanshan University, Qinhuangdao 066004, China
- Centre for Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials Research and Key Laboratory for UV Light-Emitting Materials and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
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Wang Z, Zhao J, Wan Q, Lin S. Halogen-driven bandgap opening in graphdiyne for overall photocatalytic water splitting. CHINESE J CHEM PHYS 2021. [DOI: 10.1063/1674-0068/cjcp2110195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Qiang Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Sen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and Environment, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350002, China
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