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Gao Y, Ou L, Liu K, Guo Y, Li W, Xiong Z, Wu C, Wang J, Tang J, Li D. Template-Guided Silicon Micromotor Assembly for Enhanced Cell Manipulation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405895. [PMID: 38660927 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405895] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Light-driven micro/nanorobots (LMNRs) are tiny, untethered machines with great potential in fields like precision medicine, nano manufacturing, and various other domains. However, their practicality hinges on developing light-manipulation strategies that combine versatile functionalities, flexible design options, and precise controllability. Our study introduces an innovative approach to construct micro/nanorobots (MNRs) by utilizing micro/nanomotors as fundamental building blocks. Inspired by silicon Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) solar cell principles, we design a new type of optomagnetic hybrid micromotors (OHMs). These OHMs have been skillfully optimized with integrated magnetic constituent, resulting in efficient light propulsion, precise magnetic navigation, and the potential for controlled assembly. One of the key features of the OHMs is their ability to exhibit diverse motion modes influenced by fracture surfaces and interactions with the environment, streamlining cargo conveyance along "micro expressway"-the predesigned microchannels. Further enhancing their versatility, a template-guided assembly strategy facilitates the assembly of these micromotors into functional microrobots, encompassing various configurations such as "V-shaped", "N-shaped", and 3D structured microrobots. The heightened capabilities of these microrobots, underscore the innovative potential inherent in hybrid micromotor design and assembly, which provides a foundational platform for the realization of multi-component microrobots. Our work moves a step toward forthcoming microrobotic entities boasting advanced functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Gao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Leyan Ou
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Kunfeng Liu
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Guo
- The Third People's Hospital of Ganzhou, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, 341000, P. R. China
| | - Wanyuan Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Ze Xiong
- Wireless and Smart Bioelectronics Lab, School of Biomedical Engineering, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Changjin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Jizhuang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Jinyao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, P. R. China
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Wei S, Xia X, Bi S, Hu S, Wu X, Hsu HY, Zou X, Huang K, Zhang DW, Sun Q, Bard AJ, Yu ET, Ji L. Metal-insulator-semiconductor photoelectrodes for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:6860-6916. [PMID: 38833171 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00820g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting provides a scalable and integrated platform to harness renewable solar energy for green hydrogen production. The practical implementation of PEC systems hinges on addressing three critical challenges: enhancing energy conversion efficiency, ensuring long-term stability, and achieving economic viability. Metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) heterojunction photoelectrodes have gained significant attention over the last decade for their ability to efficiently segregate photogenerated carriers and mitigate corrosion-induced semiconductor degradation. This review discusses the structural composition and interfacial intricacies of MIS photoelectrodes tailored for PEC water splitting. The application of MIS heterostructures across various semiconductor light-absorbing layers, including traditional photovoltaic-grade semiconductors, metal oxides, and emerging materials, is presented first. Subsequently, this review elucidates the reaction mechanisms and respective merits of vacuum and non-vacuum deposition techniques in the fabrication of the insulator layers. In the context of the metal layers, this review extends beyond the conventional scope, not only by introducing metal-based cocatalysts, but also by exploring the latest advancements in molecular and single-atom catalysts integrated within MIS photoelectrodes. Furthermore, a systematic summary of carrier transfer mechanisms and interface design principles of MIS photoelectrodes is presented, which are pivotal for optimizing energy band alignment and enhancing solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency within the PEC system. Finally, this review explores innovative derivative configurations of MIS photoelectrodes, including back-illuminated MIS photoelectrodes, inverted MIS photoelectrodes, tandem MIS photoelectrodes, and monolithically integrated wireless MIS photoelectrodes. These novel architectures address the limitations of traditional MIS structures by effectively coupling different functional modules, minimizing optical and ohmic losses, and mitigating recombination losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shice Wei
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xuewen Xia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Shuai Bi
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shen Hu
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xuefeng Wu
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Hsien-Yi Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xingli Zou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - David W Zhang
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Qinqqing Sun
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Allen J Bard
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 78713, USA
| | - Edward T Yu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 78758, USA.
| | - Li Ji
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Zhao S, Liu B, Li K, Wang S, Zhang G, Zhao ZJ, Wang T, Gong J. A silicon photoanode protected with TiO 2/stainless steel bilayer stack for solar seawater splitting. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2970. [PMID: 38582759 PMCID: PMC10998903 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47389-z] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical seawater splitting is a promising route for direct utilization of solar energy and abundant seawater resources for H2 production. However, the complex salinity composition in seawater results in intractable challenges for photoelectrodes. This paper describes the fabrication of a bilayer stack consisting of stainless steel and TiO2 as a cocatalyst and protective layer for Si photoanode. The chromium-incorporated NiFe (oxy)hydroxide converted from stainless steel film serves as a protective cocatalyst for efficient oxygen evolution and retarding the adsorption of corrosive ions from seawater, while the TiO2 is capable of avoiding the plasma damage of the surface layer of Si photoanode during the sputtering of stainless steel catalysts. By implementing this approach, the TiO2 layer effectively shields the vulnerable semiconductor photoelectrode from the harsh plasma sputtering conditions in stainless steel coating, preventing surface damages. Finally, the Si photoanode with the bilayer stack inhibits the adsorption of chloride and realizes 167 h stability in chloride-containing alkaline electrolytes. Furthermore, this photoanode also demonstrates stable performance under alkaline natural seawater for over 50 h with an applied bias photon-to-current efficiency of 2.62%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixuan Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Bin Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Kailang Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Shujie Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China
- National Industry-Education Platform of Energy Storage, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Tuo Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China.
- National Industry-Education Platform of Energy Storage, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Jinlong Gong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China.
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, 350207, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China.
- National Industry-Education Platform of Energy Storage, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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Gao Y, Guo Y, Yang Y, Tang Y, Wang B, Yan Q, Chen X, Cai J, Fang L, Xiong Z, Gao F, Wu C, Wang J, Tang J, Shi L, Li D. Magnetically Manipulated Optoelectronic Hybrid Microrobots for Optically Targeted Non-Genetic Neuromodulation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305632. [PMID: 37805826 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Optically controlled neuromodulation is a promising approach for basic research of neural circuits and the clinical treatment of neurological diseases. However, developing a non-invasive and well-controllable system to deliver accurate and effective neural stimulation is challenging. Micro/nanorobots have shown great potential in various biomedical applications because of their precise controllability. Here, a magnetically-manipulated optoelectronic hybrid microrobot (MOHR) is presented for optically targeted non-genetic neuromodulation. By integrating the magnetic component into the metal-insulator-semiconductor junction design, the MOHR has excellent magnetic controllability and optoelectronic properties. The MOHR displays a variety of magnetic manipulation modes that enables precise and efficient navigation in different biofluids. Furthermore, the MOHR could achieve precision neuromodulation at the single-cell level because of its accurate targeting ability. This neuromodulation is achieved by the MOHR's photoelectric response to visible light irradiation, which enhances the excitability of the targeted cells. Finally, it is shown that the well-controllable MOHRs effectively restore neuronal activity in neurons damaged by β-amyloid, a pathogenic agent of Alzheimer's disease. By coupling precise controllability with efficient optoelectronic properties, the hybrid microrobot system is a promising strategy for targeted on-demand optical neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Gao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Yaorong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Yanping Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Biao Wang
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Qihang Yan
- Wireless and Smart Bioelectronics Lab, School of Biomedical Engineering, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Xiyu Chen
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Junxiang Cai
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Li Fang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Ze Xiong
- Wireless and Smart Bioelectronics Lab, School of Biomedical Engineering, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
- Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Changjin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jizhuang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Jinyao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Lei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
| | - Dan Li
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P. R. China
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5
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Wang Q, Liu B, Wang S, Zhang P, Wang T, Gong J. Highly selective photoelectrochemical CO 2 reduction by crystal phase-modulated nanocrystals without parasitic absorption. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2316724121. [PMID: 38232284 PMCID: PMC10823234 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316724121] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction (CO2R) holds the potential to reduce the costs of solar fuel production by integrating CO2 utilization and light harvesting within one integrated device. However, the CO2R selectivity on the photocathode is limited by the lack of catalytic active sites and competition with the hydrogen evolution reaction. On the other hand, serious parasitic light absorption occurs on the front-side-illuminated photocathode due to the poor light transmittance of CO2R cocatalyst films, resulting in extremely low photocurrent density at the CO2R equilibrium potential. This paper describes the design and fabrication of a photocathode consisting of crystal phase-modulated Ag nanocrystal cocatalysts integrated on illumination-reaction decoupled heterojunction silicon (Si) substrate for the selective and efficient conversion of CO2. Ag nanocrystals containing unconventional hexagonal close-packed phases accelerate the charge transfer process in CO2R reaction, exhibiting excellent catalytic performance. Heterojunction Si substrate decouples light absorption from the CO2R catalyst layer, preventing the parasitic light absorption. The obtained photocathode exhibits a carbon monoxide (CO) Faradaic efficiency (FE) higher than 90% in a wide potential range, with the maximum FE reaching up to 97.4% at -0.2 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. At the CO2/CO equilibrium potential, a CO partial photocurrent density of -2.7 mA cm-2 with a CO FE of 96.5% is achieved in 0.1 M KHCO3 electrolyte on this photocathode, surpassing the expensive benchmark Au-based PEC CO2R system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhen Wang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin300072, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin300072, China
| | - Shujie Wang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin300072, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin300192, China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou350207, China
| | - Tuo Wang
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin300192, China
| | - Jinlong Gong
- Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin300192, China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou350207, China
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6
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Kong K, Li AZ, Wang Y, Shi Q, Li J, Ji K, Duan H. Electrochemical carbon-carbon coupling with enhanced activity and racemate stereoselectivity by microenvironment regulation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6925. [PMID: 37903827 PMCID: PMC10616095 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42724-2] [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: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymes are characteristic of catalytic efficiency and specificity by maneuvering multiple components in concert at a confined nanoscale space. However, achieving such a configuration in artificial catalysts remains challenging. Herein, we report a microenvironment regulation strategy by modifying carbon paper with hexadecyltrimethylammonium cations, delivering electrochemical carbon-carbon coupling of benzaldehyde with enhanced activity and racemate stereoselectivity. The modified electrode-electrolyte interface creates an optimal microenvironment for electrocatalysis-it engenders dipolar interaction with the reaction intermediate, giving a 2.2-fold higher reaction rate (from 0.13 to 0.28 mmol h-1 cm-2); Moreover, it repels interfacial water and modulates the conformational specificity of reaction intermediate by facilitating intermolecular hydrogen bonding, affording 2.5-fold higher diastereomeric ratio of racemate to mesomer (from 0.73 to 1.82). We expect that the microenvironment regulation strategy will lead to the advanced design of electrode-electrolyte interface for enhanced activity and (stereo)selectivity that mimics enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejian Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - An-Zhen Li
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiujin Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiyue Ji
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Haohong Duan
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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7
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Liu B, Wang S, Zhang G, Gong Z, Wu B, Wang T, Gong J. Tandem cells for unbiased photoelectrochemical water splitting. Chem Soc Rev 2023. [PMID: 37325843 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00145h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen is an essential energy carrier which will address the challenges posed by the energy crisis and climate change. Photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC) is an important method for producing solar-powered hydrogen. The PEC tandem configuration harnesses sunlight as the exclusive energy source to drive both the hydrogen (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER), simultaneously. Therefore, PEC tandem cells have been developed and gained tremendous interest in recent decades. This review describes the current status of the development of tandem cells for unbiased photoelectrochemical water splitting. The basic principles and prerequisites for constructing PEC tandem cells are introduced first. We then review various single photoelectrodes for use in water reduction or oxidation, and highlight the current state-of-the-art discoveries. Second, a close look into recent developments of PEC tandem cells in water splitting is provided. Finally, a perspective on the key challenges and prospects for the development of tandem cells for unbiased PEC water splitting are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou 350207, China
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Shujie Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou 350207, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zichen Gong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Bo Wu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tuo Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jinlong Gong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou 350207, China
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
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8
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Wang Q, Liu J, Li Q, Yang J. Stability of Photocathodes: A Review on Principles, Design, and Strategies. CHEMSUSCHEM 2023; 16:e202202186. [PMID: 36789473 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202202186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical devices based on semiconductor photoelectrode can directly convert and store solar energy into chemical fuels. Although the efficient photoelectrodes with commercially valuable solar-to-fuel energy conversion efficiency have been reported over past decades, one of the most enormous challenges is the stability of the photoelectrode due to corrosion during operation. Thus, it is of paramount importance for developing a stable photoelectrode to deploy solar-fuel production. This Review commences with a fundamental understanding of thermodynamics for photoelectrochemical reactions and the fundamentals of photocathodes. Then, the commercial application of photoelectrochemical technology is prospected. We specifically focus on recent strategies for designing photocathodes with long-term stability, including energy band alignment, hole transport/storage/blocking layer, spatial decoupling, grafting molecular catalysts, protective/passivation layer, surface element reconstruction, and solvent effects. Based on the insights gained from these effective strategies, we propose an outlook of key aspects that address the challenges for development of stable photoelectrodes in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglong Wang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Hybrid Nanomaterials, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, P. R. China
| | - Jinfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, P. R. China
| | - Qiuye Li
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Hybrid Nanomaterials, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, P. R. China
| | - Jianjun Yang
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Applied Technology of Hybrid Nanomaterials, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, P. R. China
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9
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Wang S, Feng S, Liu B, Gong Z, Wang T, Gong J. An integrated n-Si/BiVO 4 photoelectrode with an interfacial bi-layer for unassisted solar water splitting. Chem Sci 2023; 14:2192-2199. [PMID: 36845941 PMCID: PMC9945263 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc06651c] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrated n-Si/BiVO4 is one of the most promising candidates for unbiased photoelectrochemical water splitting. However, a direct connection between n-Si and BiVO4 will not attain overall water splitting due to the small band offset as well as the interfacial defects at the n-Si/BiVO4 interface that severely impede carrier separation and transport, limiting the photovoltage generation. This paper describes the design and fabrication of an integrated n-Si/BiVO4 device with enhanced photovoltage extracted from the interfacial bi-layer for unassisted water splitting. An Al2O3/indium tin oxide (ITO) interfacial bi-layer was inserted at the n-Si/BiVO4 interface, which promotes the interfacial carrier transport by enlarging the band offset while healing interfacial defects. When coupled to a separate cathode for hydrogen evolution, spontaneous water splitting could be realized with this n-Si/Al2O3/ITO/BiVO4 tandem anode, with an average solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency of 0.62% for over 1000 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University Tianjin 300072 China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin 300072 China
| | - Shijia Feng
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University Tianjin 300072 China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin 300072 China
| | - Bin Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University Tianjin 300072 China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin 300072 China
| | - Zichen Gong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University Tianjin 300072 China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin 300072 China
| | - Tuo Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University Tianjin 300072 China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin 300072 China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations Tianjin 300192 China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City Fuzhou 350207 China
- National Industry-Education Platform of Energy Storage Tianjin 300350 China
| | - Jinlong Gong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University Tianjin 300072 China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin) Tianjin 300072 China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations Tianjin 300192 China
- National Industry-Education Platform of Energy Storage Tianjin 300350 China
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Wang X, Zhang G, Liu B, Wang Y, Zhao C, Pei C, Deng H, Han W, Wang T, Gong J. Scaling-Up of Thin-Film Photoelectrodes for Solar Water Splitting Based on Atomic Layer Deposition. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:1138-1147. [PMID: 36538571 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an established method to prepare protective layers for Si-based photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Although ALD has been widely used in microelectronics and photovoltaics, it remains a great challenge to design simple and effective ALD systems to deposit large and uniform protective films for Si-based photoelectrodes with industrial sizes. This paper describes the design and realization of a simple ALD chamber configuration for photoelectrodes with large sizes, in which the influence of a gas redistributor over the gas flow and heat transfer during film growth was revealed by computational fluid dynamics simulations and experimental investigations. A simple circular baffle-type redistributor was proposed to establish a uniform gas flow field throughout the ALD reactor, resulting in a uniform temperature profile. With this simple baffle redistributor, the large-area Al2O3 monitor film (46 nm thickness) reached a good nonuniformity (Nu %) of 0.88% over a large area of 256 cm2. This design enables the fabrication of large-scale photocathodes from standard industrial-grade 166 mm Si(100) wafers (276 cm2) by depositing 50 nm TiO2 protective films with Nu % less than 5%. The obtained photocathode achieves a saturation current of 6.45 A with a hydrogen production rate of 43.2 mL/min under outdoor illumination. This work elucidates how flow pattern and heat transfer may influence the deposition of protective layers over large photoelectrodes, providing guidance for future industrial applications of PEC water splitting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Bin Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Yixian Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Chengjie Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Chunlei Pei
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Hao Deng
- LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, China
| | - Wei Han
- LONGi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Xi'an, Shaanxi 710000, China
| | - Tuo Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
- Joint School of National University of Singapore and Tianjin University, International Campus of Tianjin University, Binhai New City, Fuzhou, Fujian 350207, China
| | - Jinlong Gong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology; Key Laboratory for Green Chemical Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin 300072, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin 300192, China
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11
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Photovoltage memory effect in a portable Faradaic junction solar rechargeable device. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2544. [PMID: 35538077 PMCID: PMC9090830 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30346-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-electrode solar rechargeable device is one of the promising technologies to address the problem of solar energy storage in large scale. However, the mechanism of dark output voltage remains unclear and the low volumetric energy density also limits its practical applications. Herein, we report that a Si/CoOx/KBi(aq)/MnOx Faradaic junction device exhibits a photovoltage memory effect, that is, the dark output voltage can precisely record the value of the photovoltage in the device. To investigate the mechanism of the effect, we develop an open circuit potential method to real-time monitor the photo charge and dark discharge processes in the Faradaic junction device. This effect leads to minimized interface energy loss in the Faradaic junction device, which achieves much higher performances than the devices without the effect. Moreover, we realize a portable device with a record value of the dark volumetric energy density (∼1.89 mJ cm−3) among all reported two-electrode solar rechargeable devices. These results offer guidance to improve the performance of a solar rechargeable device and design other photoelectric devices for new applications. A Faradaic junction solar rechargeable device is one of the promising technologies to address the problem of solar energy storage but the working mechanism remains unclear. Here, the authors report a photovoltage memory effect in a portable Si/CoOx/KBi(aq)/MnOx Faradaic junction device.
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Huang H, Feng J, Li Z, Zou Z. Organics challenge inorganics for efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2022; 67:226-228. [PMID: 36546068 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Huiting Huang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Jianyong Feng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Zhaosheng Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Zhigang Zou
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
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13
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Jack J, Ren ZJ. Metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) photoelectrodes: distance improves performance. Natl Sci Rev 2021; 8:nwab089. [PMID: 34691716 PMCID: PMC8363325 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwab089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jack
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, USA
| | - Zhiyong Jason Ren
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University, USA
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