1
|
Luo F, Yu P, Jiang J, Xiang J, Chen S. Heterogeneous core-shell Co 2(PS 3)@Co 2P nanowires with accelerated surface reconstruction for efficient electrocatalytic seawater oxidation. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 672:446-454. [PMID: 38850869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The design of pre-catalysts and the rational manipulation of corresponding electrochemical reconstruction are vitally important to construct the highly durable and active catalysts for seawater oxidation, but rather challenging. Herein, a novel core-shell catalyst of Co2(PS3)@Co2P (labeled as CoPS) by epitaxial growth of amorphous cobalt phosphide (Co2P) on crystalline cobalt phosphorous trichalcogenide (Co2(PS3)) is firstly designed as a pre-catalyst for alkaline seawater oxidation. Various characterization techniques are employed to demonstrate that the unique amorphous-crystalline nanowire structure (CoPS) achieves the rapid surface reconstruction into active CoOOH and diversiform oxyanions species (labeled as CoPS-R). Theoretical simulations uncover that the in situ derived oxyanions (PO42-, SO32- and SO42-) on the surface of CoOOH can tune the electron distribution of Co site, thereby optimizing the chemisorption of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) intermediates on CoOOH and reducing the energy barrier of determining step. Consequently, in an alkaline natural seawater solution, the reconstructed CoPS-R catalyst exhibits small overpotentials of 357 and 402 mV for OER at 200 and 500 mA cm-2, respectively, together with an impressive durability over 500 h at a large current density of 500 mA cm-2 benefiting from the strong repulsive effect of the derived PO42-, SO32- and SO42- oxyanions. This work offers a new insight for comprehending the relationship of structure-composition-activity and develops a new approach toward the construction of efficient and robust OER catalysts for seawater electrolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengting Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Interface Physics in Energy Conversion, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China; Center of Modern Physics, Institute for Smart City of Chongqing University in Liyang, Liyang 213300, China
| | - Pei Yu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Interface Physics in Energy Conversion, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China; Center of Modern Physics, Institute for Smart City of Chongqing University in Liyang, Liyang 213300, China
| | - Junjie Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Interface Physics in Energy Conversion, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China; Center of Modern Physics, Institute for Smart City of Chongqing University in Liyang, Liyang 213300, China
| | - Jueting Xiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Interface Physics in Energy Conversion, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China; Center of Modern Physics, Institute for Smart City of Chongqing University in Liyang, Liyang 213300, China
| | - Shijian Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Interface Physics in Energy Conversion, College of Physics, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China; Center of Modern Physics, Institute for Smart City of Chongqing University in Liyang, Liyang 213300, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiang F, Li N, Burguete-Lopez A, He Z, Elizarov M, Fratalocchi A. Light-Induced Quantum Reconfiguration of Oxyhydroxides for Photoanodes with 4.24% Efficiency and Stability Beyond 250 Hours. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2405478. [PMID: 39097948 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202405478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is attracting significant research interest in addressing sustainable development goals in renewable energy. Current state-of-the-art, however, cannot provide photoanodes with simultaneously high efficiency and long-lasting lifetime. Here, large-scale NiFe oxyhydroxides-alloy hybridized co-catalyst layer that exhibits an applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) of 4.24% in buried homojunction-free photoanodes and stability over 250 h is reported. These performances represent an increase over the present highest-performing technology by 408% in stability and the most stable competitor by over 330% in efficiency. These results originate from a previously unexplored mechanism of light-induced atomic reconfiguration, which rapidly self-generates a catalytic-protective amorphous/crystalline heterostructure at low biases. This mechanism provides active sites for reaction and insulates the photoanode from performance degradation. Photon-generated NiFe oxyhydroxides are more than 200% higher than the quantity that pure electrocatalysis would otherwise induce, overcoming the threshold for an efficient water oxidation reaction in the device. While of immediate interest in the industry of water splitting, the light-induced NiFe oxyhydroxides-alloy co-catalyst developed in this work provides a general strategy to enhance further the performances and stability of PEC devices for a vast panorama of chemical reactions, ranging from biomass valorization to organic waste degradation, and CO2-to-fuel conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xiang
- PRIMALIGHT, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ning Li
- PRIMALIGHT, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arturo Burguete-Lopez
- PRIMALIGHT, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zhao He
- PRIMALIGHT, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maxim Elizarov
- PRIMALIGHT, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Andrea Fratalocchi
- PRIMALIGHT, Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ying Z, Yang X, Wang X, Ye J. Towards the 10-Year Milestone of Monolithic Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2311501. [PMID: 39049723 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell represents one of the most promising avenues for exceeding the Shockley-Queisser limit for single-junction solar cells at a reasonable cost. Remarkably, its efficiency has rapidly increased from 13.7% in 2015 to 34.6% in 2024. Despite the significant research efforts dedicated to this topic, the "secret" to achieving high-performance perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells seems to be confined to a few research groups. Additionally, the discrepancies in preparation and characterization between single-junction and tandem solar cells continue to impede the transition from efficient single-junction to efficient tandem solar cells. This review first revisits the key milestones in the development of monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells over the past decade. Then, a comprehensive analysis of the background, advancements, and challenges in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is provided, following the sequence of the tandem fabrication process. The progress and limitations of the prevalent stability measurements for tandem devices are also discussed. Finally, a roadmap for designing efficient, scalable, and stable perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is outlined. This review takes the growth history into consideration while charting the future course of perovskite/silicon tandem research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqin Ying
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Xi Yang
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Xuezhen Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Jichun Ye
- Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Research Center of Energy Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315201, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
King AJ, Weber AZ, Bell AT. Understanding Photovoltage Enhancement in Metal-Insulator Semiconductor Photoelectrodes with Metal Nanoparticles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:36380-36391. [PMID: 38968444 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c05928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
A metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structure holds great potential to promote photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactions, such as water splitting and CO2 reduction, for the storage of solar energy in chemical bonds. The semiconductor absorbs photons, creating electron-hole pairs; the insulator facilitates charge separation; and the metal collects the desired charge and facilitates its use in the electrochemical reaction. Despite these attractive features, MIS photoelectrodes are significantly limited by their photovoltage, a combination of the voltage generated from photon absorption minus the potential drop across the insulator. Herein, we use multiscale continuum modeling of the carrier, electrolyte, and interfacial transport to identify strategies for mitigating the deleterious potential drop across the insulator and enabling high MIS photovoltages. To this end, we model Ni/SiO2/n-Si photoanodes that employ a planar Ni film or Ni nanoparticles (np-MIS) and validate both models using experimental polarization curves and photovoltage measurements from the literature. The simulations reveal that the insulator potential drop is lower and hence achieves higher photovoltages for np-MIS structures than MIS structures because the electrolyte screens charge trapped at defect states between the semiconductor and the insulator. This electrolyte charge screening phenomenon can be further leveraged by using low loadings or small nanoparticles, which not only minimize the interfacial potential drop but also improve the photocurrent by enabling more light absorption. These insights contribute to the optimization of the np-MIS structures for sustainable energy conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex J King
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Liquid Sunlight Alliance, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Adam Z Weber
- Liquid Sunlight Alliance, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Alexis T Bell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Liquid Sunlight Alliance, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jiménez-Arévalo N, Flores E, Giampietri A, Sbroscia M, Betti MG, Mariani C, García-García FJ, Ares JR, Leardini F, Ferrer IJ. Protecting TiS 3 Photoanodes for Water Splitting in Alkaline Media by TiO 2 Coatings. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:33696-33709. [PMID: 38961573 PMCID: PMC11231970 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c07404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Titanium trisulfide (TiS3) nanoribbons, when coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2), can be used for water splitting in the KOH electrolyte. TiO2 shells can be prepared through thermal annealing to regulate the response of TiS3/TiO2 heterostructures by controlling the oxidation time and growth atmosphere. The thickness and structure of the TiO2 layers significantly influence the photoelectrocatalytic properties of the TiS3/TiO2 photoanodes, with amorphous layers showing better performance than crystalline ones. The oxide layers should be thin enough to transfer photogenerated charge through the electrode-electrolyte interface while protecting TiS3 from KOH corrosion. Finally, the performance of TiS3/TiO2 heterostructures has been improved by coating them with various electrocatalysts, NiSx being the most effective. This research presents new opportunities to create efficient semiconductor heterostructures to be used as photoanodes in corrosive alkaline aqueous solutions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Jiménez-Arévalo
- Departamento
de Física de Materiales, Universidad
Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Flores
- Departamento
de Física Aplicada, Centro de Investigación
y Estudios Avanzados, 97310 Mérida, México
| | - Alessio Giampietri
- Dipartimento
di Fisica, Università di Roma “La
Sapienza”, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Sbroscia
- Dipartimento
di Fisica, Università di Roma “La
Sapienza”, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Betti
- Dipartimento
di Fisica, Università di Roma “La
Sapienza”, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Mariani
- Dipartimento
di Fisica, Università di Roma “La
Sapienza”, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - F. Javier García-García
- ICTS-Centro
Nacional de Microscopía Electrónica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José R. Ares
- Departamento
de Física de Materiales, Universidad
Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fabrice Leardini
- Departamento
de Física de Materiales, Universidad
Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto
Nicolás Cabrera (INC), Universidad
Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel J. Ferrer
- Departamento
de Física de Materiales, Universidad
Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto
Nicolás Cabrera (INC), Universidad
Autónoma de Madrid, Campus de Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zaera F. The surface chemistry of the atomic layer deposition of metal thin films. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:362001. [PMID: 38888294 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad54cb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
In this perspective we discuss the progress made in the mechanistic studies of the surface chemistry associated with the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of metal films and the usefulness of that knowledge for the optimization of existing film growth processes and for the design of new ones. Our focus is on the deposition of late transition metals. We start by introducing some of the main surface-sensitive techniques and approaches used in this research. We comment on the general nature of the metallorganic complexes used as precursors for these depositions, and the uniqueness that solid surfaces and the absence of liquid solvents bring to the ALD chemistry and differentiate it from what is known from metalorganic chemistry in solution. We then delve into the adsorption and thermal chemistry of those precursors, highlighting the complex and stepwise nature of the decomposition of the organic ligands that usually ensued upon their thermal activation. We discuss the criteria relevant for the selection of co-reactants to be used on the second half of the ALD cycle, with emphasis on the redox chemistry often associated with the growth of metallic films starting from complexes with metal cations. Additional considerations include the nature of the substrate and the final structural and chemical properties of the growing films, which we indicate rarely retain the homogeneous 2D structure often aimed for. We end with some general conclusions and personal thoughts about the future of this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Zaera
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Selloni A. Aqueous Titania Interfaces. Annu Rev Phys Chem 2024; 75:47-65. [PMID: 38271659 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physchem-090722-015957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Water-metal oxide interfaces are central to many phenomena and applications, ranging from material corrosion and dissolution to photoelectrochemistry and bioengineering. In particular, the discovery of photocatalytic water splitting on TiO2 has motivated intensive studies of water-TiO2 interfaces for decades. So far, a broad understanding of the interaction of water vapor with several TiO2 surfaces has been obtained. However, much less is known about liquid water-TiO2 interfaces, which are more relevant to many practical applications. Probing these complex systems at the molecular level is experimentally challenging and is sometimes possible only through computational studies. This review summarizes recent advances in the atomistic understanding, mostly through computational simulations, of the structure and dynamics of interfacial water on TiO2 surfaces. The main focus is on the nature, molecular or dissociated, of water in direct contact with low-index defect-free crystalline surfaces. The hydroxyls resulting from water dissociation are essential in the photooxidation of water and critically affect the surface chemistry of TiO2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabella Selloni
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang C, Cheng Z, Li P, Tian B. Exploring Present and Future Directions in Nano-Enhanced Optoelectronic Neuromodulation. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:1398-1410. [PMID: 38652467 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Electrical neuromodulation has achieved significant translational advancements, including the development of deep brain stimulators for managing neural disorders and vagus nerve stimulators for seizure treatment. Optoelectronics, in contrast to wired electrical systems, offers the leadless feature that guides multisite and high spatiotemporal neural system targeting, ensuring high specificity and precision in translational therapies known as "photoelectroceuticals". This Account provides a concise overview of developments in novel optoelectronic nanomaterials that are engineered through innovative molecular, chemical, and nanostructure designs to facilitate neural interfacing with high efficiency and minimally invasive implantation.This Account outlines the progress made both within our laboratory and across the broader scientific community, with particular attention to implications in materials innovation strategies, studying bioelectrical activation with spatiotemporal methods, and applications in regenerative medicine. In materials innovation, we highlight a nongenetic, biocompatible, and minimally invasive approach for neuromodulation that spans various length scales, from single neurons to nerve tissues using nanosized particles and monolithic membranes. Furthermore, our discussion exposes the critical unresolved questions in the field, including mechanisms of interaction at the nanobio interface, the precision of cellular or tissue targeting, and integration into existing neural networks with high spatiotemporal modulation. In addition, we present the challenges and pressing needs for long-term stability and biocompatibility, scalability for clinical applications, and the development of noninvasive monitoring and control systems.In addressing the existing challenges in the field of nanobio interfaces, particularly for neural applications, we envisage promising strategic directions that could significantly advance this burgeoning domain. This involves a deeper theoretical understanding of nanobiointerfaces, where simulations and experimental validations on how nanomaterials interact spatiotemporally with biological systems are crucial. The development of more durable materials is vital for prolonged applications in dynamic neural interfaces, and the ability to manipulate neural activity with high specificity and spatial resolution, paves the way for targeting individual neurons or specific neural circuits. Additionally, integrating these interfaces with advanced control systems, possibly leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms and programming dynamically responsive materials designs, could significantly ease the implementation of stimulation and recording. These innovations hold the potential to introduce novel treatment modalities for a wide range of neurological and systemic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanwang Yang
- The James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Zhe Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Pengju Li
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Bozhi Tian
- The James Franck Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- The Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lee HC, Park JH, In SI, Yang J. Recent advances in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production using I-III-VI quantum dots. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 38683106 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01040j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, recognized for its potential in producing solar hydrogen through clean and sustainable methods, has gained considerable interest, particularly with the utilization of semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (QDs). This minireview focuses on recent advances in PEC hydrogen production using I-III-VI semiconductor QDs. The outstanding optical and electrical properties of I-III-VI QDs, which can be readily tuned by modifying their size, composition, and shape, along with an inherent non-toxic nature, make them highly promising for PEC applications. The performance of PEC devices using these QDs can be enhanced by various strategies, including ligand modification, defect engineering, doping, alloying, and core/shell heterostructure engineering. These approaches have notably improved the photocurrent densities for hydrogen production, achieving levels comparable to those of conventional heavy-metal-based counterparts. Finally, this review concludes by addressing the present challenges and future prospects of these QDs, underlining crucial steps for their practical applications in solar hydrogen production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Cheol Lee
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hye Park
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Su-Il In
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
- Energy Science and Engineering Research Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwoong Yang
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea.
- Energy Science and Engineering Research Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nedzbala HS, Westbroek D, Margavio HRM, Yang H, Noh H, Magpantay SV, Donley CL, Kumbhar AS, Parsons GN, Mayer JM. Photoelectrochemical Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer of TiO 2 Thin Films on Silicon. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:10559-10572. [PMID: 38564642 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
TiO2 thin films are often used as protective layers on semiconductors for applications in photovoltaics, molecule-semiconductor hybrid photoelectrodes, and more. Experiments reported here show that TiO2 thin films on silicon are electrochemically and photoelectrochemically reduced in buffered acetonitrile at potentials relevant to photoelectrocatalysis of CO2 reduction, N2 reduction, and H2 evolution. On both n-type Si and irradiated p-type Si, TiO2 reduction is proton-coupled with a 1e-:1H+ stoichiometry, as demonstrated by the Nernstian dependence of the Ti4+/3+ E1/2 on the buffer pKa. Experiments were conducted with and without illumination, and a photovoltage of ∼0.6 V was observed across 20 orders of magnitude in proton activity. The 4 nm films are almost stoichiometrically reduced under mild conditions. The reduced films catalytically transfer protons and electrons to hydrogen atom acceptors, based on cyclic voltammogram, bulk electrolysis, and other mechanistic evidence. TiO2/Si thus has the potential to photoelectrochemically generate high-energy H atom carriers. Characterization of the TiO2 films after reduction reveals restructuring with the formation of islands, rendering TiO2 films as a potentially poor choice as protecting films or catalyst supports under reducing and protic conditions. Overall, this work demonstrates that atomic layer deposition TiO2 films on silicon photoelectrodes undergo both chemical and morphological changes upon application of potentials only modestly negative of RHE in these media. While the results should serve as a cautionary tale for researchers aiming to immobilize molecular monolayers on "protective" metal oxides, the robust proton-coupled electron transfer reactivity of the films introduces opportunities for the photoelectrochemical generation of reactive charge-carrying mediators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Nedzbala
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Dalaney Westbroek
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Hannah R M Margavio
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
| | - Hyuenwoo Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
| | - Hyunho Noh
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Samantha V Magpantay
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Carrie L Donley
- Department of Chemistry, Chapel Hill Analytical and Nanofabrication Laboratory (CHANL), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Amar S Kumbhar
- Department of Chemistry, Chapel Hill Analytical and Nanofabrication Laboratory (CHANL), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Gregory N Parsons
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27603, United States
| | - James M Mayer
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hu Y, Hu Q, Chen X, Zhao M, Wang Y, Guan H, Hu X, Wang Y, Feng J. Improved Conductivity and in Situ Formed Heterojunction via Zinc Doping in CuBi 2O 4 for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202300897. [PMID: 38323673 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300897] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
As a photocathode with a band gap of about 1.8 eV, copper bismuthate (CuBi2O4) is a promising material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, weak charge transfer capability and severe carrier recombination suppress the PEC performance of CuBi2O4. In this paper, the conductivity and carriers transport of CuBi2O4 are improved via introducing Zn2+ into the synthesis precursor of CuBi2O4, driving a beneficial 110 mV positive shift of onset potential in photocurrent. Detailed investigations demonstrate that the introduction of an appropriate amount of zinc leads to in situ segregation of ZnO which serves as an electron transport channel on the surface of CuBi2O4, forming heterojunctions. The synergistic effect of heterojunctions and doping simultaneously promotes the charge transfer and the carrier concentration. OCP experiment proves that ZnO/Zn-CuBi2O4 possesses better charge separation; the Mott-Schottky curve shows that the doping of Zn significantly enhances the carrier concentration; carrier lifetime calculated from time-resolved photoluminescence confirms faster extraction of carriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingfei Hu
- School of Materials Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211169, P. R. China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Qingyuan Hu
- School of Materials Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211169, P. R. China
| | - Xianliu Chen
- Analysis and Test Center, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, 571101, P. R. China
| | - Mengting Zhao
- School of Materials Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211169, P. R. China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- School of Materials Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211169, P. R. China
| | - Hangmin Guan
- School of Materials Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211169, P. R. China
| | - Xuemin Hu
- School of Materials Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211169, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School of Materials Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, 211169, P. R. China
| | - Jianyong Feng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Paudel Y, Chachayma-Farfan DJ, Alù A, Sfeir MY. Metasurface-enhanced photochemical activity in visible light absorbing semiconductors. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:144710. [PMID: 38619060 DOI: 10.1063/5.0199589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneous photocatalysis is an important research problem relevant to a variety of sustainable energy technologies. However, obtaining high photocatalytic efficiency from visible light absorbing semiconductors is challenging due to a combination of weak absorption, transport losses, and low activity. Aspects of this problem have been addressed by multilayer approaches, which provide a general scheme for engineering surface reactivity and stability independent of electronic considerations. However, an analogous broad framework for optimizing light-matter interactions has not yet been demonstrated. Here, we establish a photonic approach using semiconductor metasurfaces that is highly effective in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of GaAs, a high-performance semiconductor with a near-infrared bandgap. Our engineered pillar arrays with heights of ∼150 nm exhibit Mie resonances near 700 nm that result in near-unity absorption and exhibit a field profile that maximizes charge carrier generation near the solid-liquid interface, enabling short transport distances. Our hybrid metasurface photoanodes facilitate oxygen evolution and exhibit enhanced incident photon-to-current efficiencies that are ∼22× larger than a corresponding thin film for resonant excitation and 3× larger for white light illumination. Key to these improvements is the preferential generation of photogenerated carriers near the semiconductor interface that results from the field enhancement profile of magnetic dipolar-type modes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yamuna Paudel
- Photonics Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, USA
- Physics Department, CUNY Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Diego J Chachayma-Farfan
- Photonics Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Andrea Alù
- Photonics Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, USA
- Physics Department, CUNY Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Matthew Y Sfeir
- Photonics Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10031, USA
- Physics Department, CUNY Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
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%.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lyu Y, Zheng J, Wang S. Photoelectrochemical Lithium Extraction from Waste Batteries. CHEMSUSCHEM 2024:e202301526. [PMID: 38538545 DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202301526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
The amount of global hybrid-electric and all electric vehicle has increased dramatically in just five years and reached an all-time high of over 10 million units in 2022. A good deal of waste lithium (Li)-containing batteries from dead vehicles are invaluable unconventional resources with high usage of Li. However, the recycle of Li by green approaches is extremely inefficient and rare from waste batteries, giving rise to severe environmental pollutions and huge squandering of resources. Thus, in this mini review, we briefly summarized a green and promising route-photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology for extracting the Li from the waste lithium-containing batteries. This review first focuses on the critical factors of PEC performance, including light harvesting, charge-carrier dynamics, and surface chemical reactions. Subsequently, the conventional and PEC technologies applying in the area of Li recovery processes are analyzed and discussed in depth, and the potential challenges and future perspective for rational and healthy development of PEC Li extraction are provided positively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Lyu
- School of Physical and Chemistry, Hunan First Normal University, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chem/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Jianyun Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chem/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Shuangyin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chem/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Becker K, Xiao C, Assavachin S, Kundmann A, Osterloh FE. 14.8% Quantum Efficient Gallium Phosphide Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:7723-7733. [PMID: 38451833 PMCID: PMC10958512 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Gallium phosphide is an established photoelectrode material for H2 or O2 evolution from water, but particle-based GaP photocatalysts for H2 evolution are very rare. To understand the reasons, we investigated the photocatalytic H2 evolution reaction (HER) of suspended n-type GaP particles with iodide, sulfite, ferricyanide, ferrous ion, and hydrosulfide as sacrificial electron donors, and using Pt, RhyCr2-yO3, and Ni2P HER cocatalysts. A record apparent quantum efficiency of 14.8% at 525 nm was achieved after removing gallium and oxide charge trapping states from the GaP surface, adding a Ni2P cocatalyst to reduce the proton reduction overpotential, lowering the Schottky-barrier at the GaP-cocatalyst interface, adjusting the polarity of the depletion layer at the GaP-liquid interface, and optimizing the electrochemical potential of the electron donor. The work not only showcases the main factors that control charge separation in suspended photocatalysts, but it also explains why most known HER photocatalysts in the literature are based on n-type and not p-type semiconductors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Becker
- Department of Chemistry, University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Chengcan Xiao
- Department of Chemistry, University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Samutr Assavachin
- Department of Chemistry, University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Anna Kundmann
- Department of Chemistry, University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Frank E. Osterloh
- Department of Chemistry, University
of California, Davis, California 95616, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Dela Cruz JMCM, Balog Á, Tóth PS, Bencsik G, Samu GF, Janáky C. Au-decorated Sb 2Se 3 photocathodes for solar-driven CO 2 reduction. EES CATALYSIS 2024; 2:664-674. [PMID: 38464594 PMCID: PMC10918757 DOI: 10.1039/d3ey00222e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Photoelectrodes with FTO/Au/Sb2Se3/TiO2/Au architecture were studied in photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (PEC CO2RR). The preparation is based on a simple spin coating technique, where nanorod-like structures were obtained for Sb2Se3, as confirmed by SEM images. A thin conformal layer of TiO2 was coated on the Sb2Se3 nanorods via ALD, which acted as both an electron transfer layer and a protective coating. Au nanoparticles were deposited as co-catalysts via photo-assisted electrodeposition at different applied potentials to control their growth and morphology. The use of such architectures has not been explored in CO2RR yet. The photoelectrochemical performance for CO2RR was investigated with different Au catalyst loadings. A photocurrent density of ∼7.5 mA cm-2 at -0.57 V vs. RHE for syngas generation was achieved, with an average Faradaic efficiency of 25 ± 6% for CO and 63 ± 12% for H2. The presented results point toward the use of Sb2Se3-based photoelectrodes in solar CO2 conversion applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Mark Christian M Dela Cruz
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged Aradi Square 1 Szeged H-6720 Hungary
| | - Ádám Balog
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged Aradi Square 1 Szeged H-6720 Hungary
| | - Péter S Tóth
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged Aradi Square 1 Szeged H-6720 Hungary
| | - Gábor Bencsik
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged Aradi Square 1 Szeged H-6720 Hungary
| | - Gergely F Samu
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged Aradi Square 1 Szeged H-6720 Hungary
- ELI ALPS, ELI-HU Non-Profit Ltd. Wolfgang Sandner Street 3 Szeged H-6728 Hungary
| | - Csaba Janáky
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged Aradi Square 1 Szeged H-6720 Hungary
- ELI ALPS, ELI-HU Non-Profit Ltd. Wolfgang Sandner Street 3 Szeged H-6728 Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Thirumalaisamy L, Wei Z, Davies KR, Allan MG, McGettrick J, Watson T, Kuehnel MF, Pitchaimuthu S. Dual Shield: Bifurcated Coating Analysis of Multilayered WO 3/BiVO 4/TiO 2/NiOOH Photoanodes for Sustainable Solar-to-Hydrogen Generation from Challenging Waters. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2024; 12:3044-3060. [PMID: 38425834 PMCID: PMC10900524 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c06528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The heterostructure WO3/BiVO4-based photoanodes have garnered significant interest for photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar-driven water splitting to produce hydrogen. However, challenges such as inadequate charge separation and photocorrosion significantly hinder their performance, limiting overall solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency. The incorporation of cocatalysts has shown promise in improving charge separation at the photoanode, yet mitigating photocorrosion remains a formidable challenge. Amorphous metal oxide-based passivation layers offer a potential solution to safeguard semiconductor catalysts. We examine the structural, surface morphological, and optical properties of two-step-integrated sputter and spray-coated TiO2 thin films and their integration onto WO3/BiVO4, both with and without NiOOH cocatalyst deposition. The J-V experiments reveal that the NiOOH cocatalyst enhances the photocurrent density of the WO3/BiVO4 photoanode in water splitting reactions from 2.81 to 3.87 mA/cm2. However, during prolonged operation, the photocurrent density degrades by 52%. In contrast, integrated sputter and spray-coated TiO2 passivation layer-coated WO3/BiVO4/NiOOH samples demonstrate a ∼88% enhancement in photocurrent density (5.3 mA/cm2) with minimal degradation, emphasizing the importance of a strategic coating protocol to sustain photocurrent generation. We further explore the feasibility of using natural mine wastewater as an electrolyte feedstock in PEC generation. Two-compartment PEC cells, utilizing both fresh water and metal mine wastewater feedstocks exhibit 66.6 and 74.2 μmol/h cm2 hydrogen generation, respectively. Intriguingly, the recovery of zinc (Zn2+) heavy metals on the cathode surface in the mine wastewater electrolyte is confirmed through surface morphology and elemental analysis. This work underscores the significance of passivation layer and cocatalyst coating methodologies in a sequential order to enhance charge separation and protect the photoanode from photocorrosion, contributing to sustainable hydrogen generation. Additionally, it suggests the potential of utilizing wastewater in electrolyzers as an alternative to freshwater resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Logu Thirumalaisamy
- SPECIFIC,
Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University (Bay Campus), Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K.
- Department
of Physics, G T N Arts College, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu 624005, India
| | - Zhengfei Wei
- SPECIFIC,
Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University (Bay Campus), Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K.
| | - Katherine Rebecca Davies
- SPECIFIC,
Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University (Bay Campus), Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K.
| | - Michael G. Allan
- Department
of Chemistry, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
| | - James McGettrick
- SPECIFIC,
Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University (Bay Campus), Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K.
| | - Trystan Watson
- SPECIFIC,
Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University (Bay Campus), Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K.
| | - Moritz F. Kuehnel
- Department
of Chemistry, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, U.K.
- Fraunhofer
Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS, Walter-Hülse-Strasse 1, Halle 06120, Germany
| | - Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu
- SPECIFIC,
Materials Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University (Bay Campus), Swansea SA1 8EN, U.K.
- Research
Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Institute of Mechanical, Processing
and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH144AS, U.K.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang L, Liu X, Wan L, Gao Y, Wang X, Liu J, Tan S, Guo Q, Zhao W, Hu W, Li Q, Yang J. Excitonic Effects of the Excited-State Photocatalytic Reaction at the Molecule/Metal Oxide Interface. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:2096-2104. [PMID: 38358755 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.3c03075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Excitonic effects caused by the Coulomb interaction between electrons and holes play a crucial role in photocatalysis at the molecule/metal oxide interface. As an ideal model for investigating the excitonic effect, coadsorption and photodissociation of water and methanol molecules on titanium dioxide involve complex ground-state thermalcatalytic and excited-state photocatalytic reaction processes. Herein, we systemically investigate the excited-state electronic structures of the coadsorption of H2O and CH3OH molecules on a rutile TiO2(110) surface by linear-response time-dependent density functional theory calculations and probe the reaction path for generating HCOOH or CO2, from ground-state and excited-state perspectives. The reaction barriers in excited-state calculations are significantly different from those in ground-state calculations during three processes, with the largest decrease being 0.94 eV for the Ti5c-O-CH2-O-Ti5c formation process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Chemical Physics, and Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xiaofeng Liu
- School of Physics, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui 230009, China
| | - Lingyun Wan
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Yunzhi Gao
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- Department of Chemical Physics, and Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Shijing Tan
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wenhui Zhao
- Department of Physics, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Hefei National Research Center for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Hefei National Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Qunxiang Li
- Department of Chemical Physics, and Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| | - Jinlong Yang
- Department of Chemical Physics, and Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li R, Yoc-Bautista MG, Weng S, Cai Z, Zhao B, Cronin SB. Voltage-Induced Inversion of Band Bending and Photovoltages at Semiconductor/Liquid Interfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:9355-9361. [PMID: 38319802 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c14116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
At semiconductor/liquid interfaces, the surface potential and photovoltages are produced by a combination of band bending and quasi-Fermi-level splitting at the semiconductor surface, which are usually treated in a qualitative fashion. As such, it is important to develop quantitative metrics for the band energies and photovoltaics at these interfaces. Here, we present a spectroscopic method for monitoring the photovoltages produced at semiconductor/liquid junctions. The surface reporter molecule mercaptobenzonitrile (MBN) is functionalized on the photoelectrode surface (p-type silicon) and is measured using in situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy with a water immersion lens under electrochemical working conditions. In particular, the vibrational frequency of the C≡N stretch mode (ωCN) around 2225 cm-1 is sensitive to the local electric field in solution at the electrode/electrolyte interface via the vibrational Stark effect. Over the applied potential range from -0.8 to 0.6 V vs Ag/AgCl, we observe ωCN to increase from 2220 to 2229 cm-1 (at low laser power). As the incident laser power is increased from 83.5 μW to 13.3 mW, we observe additional shifts of ΔωCN = ±1 cm-1, corresponding to photovoltages produced at the semiconductor/liquid interface ΔV = ±0.2 V. Based on Mott-Schottky measurements, the flat band potential (FBP) occurs at -0.39 V vs Ag/AgCl. For applied potentials above the FBP, we observe ΔωCN > 0 (i.e., blue-shifts ∼1 cm-1) corresponding to positive photovoltages, whereas for applied potentials below the flat band potential, we observe ΔωCN < 0 (i.e., red-shifts ∼1 cm-1) corresponding to negative photovoltages. These spectroscopic observations reveal voltage-induced changes in the band bending at the semiconductor/liquid junction that, thus far, have been difficult to measure.
Collapse
|
21
|
Descamps J, Zhao Y, Goudeau B, Manojlovic D, Loget G, Sojic N. Infrared photoinduced electrochemiluminescence microscopy of single cells. Chem Sci 2024; 15:2055-2061. [PMID: 38332811 PMCID: PMC10848722 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05983a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) is evolving rapidly from a purely analytical technique into a powerful microscopy. Herein, we report the imaging of single cells by photoinduced ECL (PECL; λem = 620 nm) stimulated by an incident near-infrared light (λexc = 1050 nm). The cells were grown on a metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) n-Si/SiOx/Ir photoanode that exhibited stable and bright PECL emission. The large anti-Stokes shift allowed for the recording of well-resolved images of cells with high sensitivity. PECL microscopy is demonstrated at a remarkably low onset potential of 0.8 V; this contrasts with classic ECL, which is blind at this potential. Two imaging modes are reported: (i) photoinduced positive ECL (PECL+), showing the cell membranes labeled with the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ complex; and (ii) photoinduced shadow label-free ECL (PECL-) of cell morphology, with the luminophore in the solution. Finally, by adding a new dimension with the near-infrared light stimulus, PECL microscopy should find promising applications to image and study single photoactive nanoparticles and biological entities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Descamps
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5255, Bordeaux INP, Site ENSMAC 33607 Pessac France
| | - Yiran Zhao
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR6226 Rennes F-35000 France
| | - Bertrand Goudeau
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5255, Bordeaux INP, Site ENSMAC 33607 Pessac France
| | | | - Gabriel Loget
- Univ. Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR6226 Rennes F-35000 France
- Institute of Energy and Climate Research, Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Jülich 52425 Germany
| | - Neso Sojic
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS UMR 5255, Bordeaux INP, Site ENSMAC 33607 Pessac France
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lan H, Wang J, Cheng L, Yu D, Wang H, Guo L. The synthesis and application of crystalline-amorphous hybrid materials. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:684-713. [PMID: 38116613 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00860f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Crystalline-amorphous hybrid materials (CA-HMs) possess the merits of both pure crystalline and amorphous phases. Abundant dangling bonds, unsaturated coordination atoms, and isotropic structural features in the amorphous phase, as well as relatively high electronic conductivity and thermodynamic structural stability of the crystalline phase simultaneously take effect in CA-HMs. Furthermore, the atomic and bandgap mismatch at the CA-HM interface can introduce more defects as extra active sites, reservoirs for promoted catalytic and electrochemical performance, and induce built-in electric field for facile charge carrier transport. Motivated by these intriguing features, herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of CA-HMs on various aspects-from synthetic methods to multiple applications. Typical characteristics of CA-HMs are discussed at the beginning, followed by representative synthetic strategies of CA-HMs, including hydrothermal/solvothermal methods, deposition techniques, thermal adjustment, and templating methods. Diverse applications of CA-HMs, such as electrocatalysis, batteries, supercapacitors, mechanics, optoelectronics, and thermoelectrics along with underlying structure-property mechanisms are carefully elucidated. Finally, challenges and perspectives of CA-HMs are proposed with an aim to provide insights into the future development of CA-HMs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lan
- School of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiawei Wang
- School of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Liwei Cheng
- School of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Dandan Yu
- School of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- School of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| | - Lin Guo
- School of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Peng S, Liu D, An K, Ying Z, Chen M, Feng J, Lo KH, Pan H. n-Si/SiO x /CoO x -Mo Photoanode for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304376. [PMID: 37649206 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Green hydrogen is considered to be the key for solving the emerging energy and environmental issues. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) process for the production of green hydrogen has been widely investigated because solar power is clean and renewable. However, mass production in this way is still far away from reality. Here, a Si photoanode is reported with CoOx as co-catalyst for efficient water oxidation. It is found that a high photovoltage of 350 mV can be achieved in 1.0 m K3 BO3 . Importantly, the photovoltage can be further increased to 650 mV and the fill factor of 0.62 is obtained in 1.0 m K3 BO3 by incorporating Mo into CoOx . The Mo-incorporated photoanode is also highly stable. It is shown that the incorporation of Mo can reduce the particle size of co-catalyst on the Si surface, improve the particle-distribution uniformity, and increase the density of particles, which can effectively enhance the light absorption and the electrochemical active surface area. Importantly, the Mo-incorporation results in high energy barrier in the heterojunction. All of these factors are attributed to improved the PEC performance. These findings may provide new strategies to maximize the solar-to-fuel efficiency by tuning the co-catalysts on the Si surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyang Peng
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macao S. A. R., 999078, China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macao S. A. R., 999078, China
| | - Keyu An
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macao S. A. R., 999078, China
| | - Zhiqin Ying
- Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Ningbo City, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Mingpeng Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Materials & Technology, School of Materials and Energy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Jinxian Feng
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macao S. A. R., 999078, China
| | - Kin Ho Lo
- Department of Electromechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macao S. A. R., 999078, China
| | - Hui Pan
- Institute of Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, University of Macau, Macao S. A. R., 999078, China
- Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macao S. A. R., 999078, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Chen R, Meng L, Xu W, Li L. Cocatalysts-Photoanode Interface in Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Understanding and Insights. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304807. [PMID: 37653598 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Sluggish oxygen evolution reactions on photoanode surfaces severely limit the application of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The loading of cocatalysts on photoanodes has been recognized as the simplest and most efficient optimization scheme, which can reduce the surface barrier, provide more active sites, and accelerate the surface catalytic reaction kinetics. Nevertheless, the introduction of cocatalysts inevitably generates interfaces between photoanodes and oxygen evolution cocatalysts (Ph/OEC), which causes severe interfacial recombination and hinders the carrier transfer. Recently, many researchers have focused on cocatalyst engineering, while few have investigated the effect of the Ph/OEC interface. Hence, to maximize the advantages of cocatalysts, interfacial problems for designing efficient cocatalysts are systematically introduced. In this review, the interrelationship between the Ph/OEC and PEC performance is classified and some methods for characterizing Ph/OEC interfaces are investigated. Additionally, common interfacial optimization strategies are summarized. This review details cocatalyst-design-based interfacial problems, provides ideas for designing efficient cocatalysts, and offers references for solving interfacial problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runyu Chen
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics (CECMP), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P. R. China
| | - Linxing Meng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics (CECMP), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Xu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics (CECMP), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P. R. China
| | - Liang Li
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Thin Films, Center for Energy Conversion Materials & Physics (CECMP), Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Das C, Roy R, Kedia M, Kot M, Zuo W, Félix R, Sobol T, Flege JI, Saliba M. Unraveling the Role of Perovskite in Buried Interface Passivation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:56500-56510. [PMID: 37991727 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c13085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Interfaces in perovskite solar cells play a crucial role in their overall performance, and therefore, detailed fundamental studies are needed for a better understanding. In the case of the classical n-i-p architecture, TiO2 is one of the most used electron-selective layers and can induce chemical reactions that influence the performance of the overall device stack. The interfacial properties at the TiO2/perovskite interface are often neglected, owing to the difficulty in accessing this interface. Here, we use X-rays of variable energies to study the interface of (compact and mesoporous) TiO2/perovskite in such a n-i-p architecture. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy methods show that the defect states present in the TiO2 layer are passivated by a chemical interaction of the perovskite precursor solution during the formation of the perovskite layer and form an organic layer at the interface. Such passivation of intrinsic defects in TiO2 removes charge recombination centers and shifts the bands upward. Therefore, interface defect passivation by oxidation of Ti3+ states, the organic cation layer, and an upward band bending at the TiO2/perovskite interface explain the origin of an improved electron extraction and hole-blocking nature of TiO2 in the n-i-p perovskite solar cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chittaranjan Das
- Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 47, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Helmholtz Young Investigator Group, IEK5-Photovoltaik, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Rajarshi Roy
- Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 47, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Mayank Kedia
- Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 47, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Helmholtz Young Investigator Group, IEK5-Photovoltaik, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Małgorzata Kot
- Chair of Applied Physics and Semiconductor Spectroscopy, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Konrad-Zuse-Straße 1, 03046 Cottbus, Germany
| | - Weiwei Zuo
- Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 47, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Roberto Félix
- Department Interface Design, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH (HZB), Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tomasz Sobol
- SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, 31-007 Krakow, Poland
| | - Jan Ingo Flege
- Chair of Applied Physics and Semiconductor Spectroscopy, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Konrad-Zuse-Straße 1, 03046 Cottbus, Germany
| | - Michael Saliba
- Institute for Photovoltaics (ipv), University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 47, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Helmholtz Young Investigator Group, IEK5-Photovoltaik, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhao Y, Niu Z, Zhao J, Xue L, Fu X, Long J. Recent Advancements in Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting for Hydrogen Production. ELECTROCHEM ENERGY R 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s41918-022-00153-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
|
27
|
Dursap T, Fadel M, Regreny P, Tapia Garcia C, Chevalier C, Nguyen HS, Drouard E, Brottet S, Gendry M, Danescu A, Koepf M, Artero V, Bugnet M, Penuelas J. Enhanced Light Trapping in GaAs/TiO 2-Based Photocathodes for Hydrogen Production. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:53446-53454. [PMID: 37943978 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical cells (PEC) are appealing devices for the production of renewable energy carriers. In this context, III-V semiconductors such as GaAs are very promising materials due to their tunable band gaps, which can be appropriately adjusted for sunlight harvesting. Because of the high cost of these semiconductors, the nanostructuring of the photoactive layer can help to improve the device efficiency as well as drastically reduce the amount of material needed. III-V nanowire-based photoelectrodes benefit from the intrinsically high aspect ratio of nanowires, their enhanced ability to trap light, and their improved charge separation and collection abilities and thus are particularly attractive for PECs. However, III-V semiconductors often suffer from corrosion in aqueous electrolytes, preventing their utilization over long periods under relevant working conditions. Here, photocathodes of GaAs nanowires protected with thin TiO2 shells were prepared and studied under simulated sunlight irradiation to assess their photoelectrochemical performances in correlation with their structural degradation, highlighting the advantageous nanowire geometry compared to its thin-film counterpart. Morphological and electronic parameters, such as the aspect ratio of the nanowires and their doping pattern, were found to strongly influence the photocatalytic performances of the system. This work highlights the advantageous combination of nanowires featuring a buried radial p-n junction with Co nanoparticles used as a hydrogen evolution catalyst. The nanostructured photocathodes exhibit significant photocatalytic activities comparable with previous noble-metal-based systems. This study demonstrates the potential of a GaAs nanostructured semiconductor and its reliable use for photodriven hydrogen production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dursap
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, ECL, INSA Lyon, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR 5270, 69130 Ecully, France
| | - Mariam Fadel
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IRIG, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biologie des Métaux, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Philippe Regreny
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, ECL, INSA Lyon, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR 5270, 69130 Ecully, France
| | - Cristina Tapia Garcia
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IRIG, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biologie des Métaux, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Céline Chevalier
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, ECL, INSA Lyon, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR 5270, 69130 Ecully, France
| | - Hai Son Nguyen
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, ECL, INSA Lyon, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR 5270, 69130 Ecully, France
| | - Emmanuel Drouard
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, ECL, INSA Lyon, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR 5270, 69130 Ecully, France
| | - Solène Brottet
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, ECL, INSA Lyon, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR 5270, 69130 Ecully, France
| | - Michel Gendry
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, ECL, INSA Lyon, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR 5270, 69130 Ecully, France
| | - Alexandru Danescu
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, ECL, INSA Lyon, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR 5270, 69130 Ecully, France
| | - Matthieu Koepf
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IRIG, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biologie des Métaux, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Vincent Artero
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IRIG, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biologie des Métaux, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Matthieu Bugnet
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, INSA Lyon, UCBL, MATEIS, UMR 5510, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - José Penuelas
- Univ. Lyon, CNRS, ECL, INSA Lyon, UCBL, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR 5270, 69130 Ecully, France
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lenef JD, Lee SY, Fuelling KM, Rivera Cruz KE, Prajapati A, Delgado Cornejo DO, Cho TH, Sun K, Alvarado E, Arthur TS, Roberts CA, Hahn C, McCrory CCL, Dasgupta NP. Atomic Layer Deposition of Cu Electrocatalysts on Gas Diffusion Electrodes for CO 2 Reduction. NANO LETTERS 2023. [PMID: 37987745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemical reduction of CO2 using Cu catalysts enables the synthesis of C2+ products including C2H4 and C2H5OH. In this study, Cu catalysts were fabricated using plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD), achieving conformal deposition of catalysts throughout 3-D gas diffusion electrode (GDE) substrates while maintaining tunable control of Cu nanoparticle size and areal loading. The electrochemical CO2 reduction at the Cu surface yielded a total Faradaic efficiency (FE) > 75% for C2+ products. Parasitic hydrogen evolution was minimized to a FE of ∼10%, and a selectivity of 42.2% FE for C2H4 was demonstrated. Compared to a line-of-sight physical vapor deposition method, PEALD Cu catalysts show significant suppression of C1 products compared to C2+, which is associated with improved control of catalyst morphology and conformality within the porous GDE substrate. Finally, PEALD Cu catalysts demonstrated a stable performance for 15 h with minimal reduction in the C2H4 production rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia D Lenef
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Si Young Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Kalyn M Fuelling
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Kevin E Rivera Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Aditya Prajapati
- Materials Science Division (MSD), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Daniel O Delgado Cornejo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tae H Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Kai Sun
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Eugenio Alvarado
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Timothy S Arthur
- Toyota Research Institute of North America, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Charles A Roberts
- Toyota Research Institute of North America, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, United States
| | - Christopher Hahn
- Materials Science Division (MSD), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, United States
| | - Charles C L McCrory
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Neil P Dasgupta
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Descamps J, Zhao Y, Le-Pouliquen J, Goudeau B, Garrigue P, Tavernier K, Léger Y, Loget G, Sojic N. Local reactivity of metal-insulator-semiconductor photoanodes imaged by photoinduced electrochemiluminescence microscopy. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:12262-12265. [PMID: 37753612 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03702a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Localized photoinduced electrochemiluminescence (PECL) is studied on photoanodes composed of Ir microbands deposited on n-Si/SiOx. We demonstrate that PECL microscopy precisely imaged the hole-driven heterogeneous photoelectrochemical reactivity. The method is promising for elucidating the local activity of photoelectrodes that are employed in solar energy conversion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Descamps
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR CNRS 5255, Pessac 33607, France.
| | - Yiran Zhao
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR6226, Rennes F-35000, France.
| | - Julie Le-Pouliquen
- Univ Rennes, INSA Rennes, CNRS, Institut FOTON-UMR 6082, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Bertrand Goudeau
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR CNRS 5255, Pessac 33607, France.
| | - Patrick Garrigue
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR CNRS 5255, Pessac 33607, France.
| | - Karine Tavernier
- Univ Rennes, INSA Rennes, CNRS, Institut FOTON-UMR 6082, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Yoan Léger
- Univ Rennes, INSA Rennes, CNRS, Institut FOTON-UMR 6082, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | - Gabriel Loget
- Univ Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes)-UMR6226, Rennes F-35000, France.
- Institute of Energy and Climate Research, Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, 52425, Germany
| | - Neso Sojic
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, ISM, UMR CNRS 5255, Pessac 33607, France.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gupta B, Zhang D, Chen H, Jagadish C, Tan HH, Karuturi S. Ferri-hydrite: A Novel Electron-Selective Contact Layer for InP Photovoltaic and Photoelectrochemical Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:44912-44920. [PMID: 37712229 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c08560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Solar energy conversion devices with charge-selective contacts are attracting significant research interest as a cost-effective alternative to homojunction counterparts. This study presents a novel approach for fabricating high-performance solar cells based on InP heterojunctions using a solution-processed ferri-hydrite (Fh) electron-selective contact (ESC). The champion cell efficiency of 16.6% is achieved, which is a significant improvement over those from previous studies using other solution-processed ESC materials. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements showed that the low conduction band offset at the Fh-InP interface facilitated selective transport of photogenerated electrons from InP. Moreover, the Fh electron-selective contact layer provided an excellent photoelectrochemical half-cell water reduction efficiency of 8.4%. The Fh layer not only selectively extracts photogenerated electrons from InP but also simultaneously serves as a surface protection layer, improving the cell's long-term stability. These results demonstrate the potential of Fh as a low-cost and easily fabricated material for use in high-efficiency photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices. Our findings pave the way for further improvements in the efficiency of InP heterojunction solar cells by addressing the losses incurred in the cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bikesh Gupta
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Doudou Zhang
- School of Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Hongjun Chen
- Faculty of Science, School of Physics, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Chennupati Jagadish
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Hark Hoe Tan
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Siva Karuturi
- School of Engineering, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Li Z, Channa AI, Wang ZM, Tong X. Tailoring Eco-Friendly Colloidal Quantum Dots for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2305146. [PMID: 37632304 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202305146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell is able to realize effective solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion from water by using the semiconductor photoelectrode. Semiconducting colloidal quantum dots (QDs) with captivating features of size-tunable optoelectronic properties and broad light absorption are regarded as promising photosensitizers in solar-driven PEC systems. Up to now, different types of QDs have been developed to achieve high-efficiency PEC H2 generation, while the majority of state-of-the-art QDs-PEC systems are still fabricated from QDs consisting of heavy metals (e.g., Cd and Pb), which are extremely harmful to the human health and natural environment. In this context, substantial efforts have been made to mitigate the usage of highly toxic heavy metals and concurrently promote the development of alternative environment-friendly QDs with comparable features. This review presents recent advances of solar-driven PEC devices based on several typical environment-friendly QDs (e.g., carbon QDs, I-III-VI QDs and III-V QDs). A variety of techniques (e.g., shell thickness tuning, alloying/doping, and ligands exchange, etc.) to engineer these QD's optoelectronic properties and achieve high-efficiency PEC H2 production are thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, the critical challenges and future perspectives of advanced eco-friendly QDs-PEC systems in terms of QDs' synthesis, photo-induced charge kinetics, and operation stability/efficiency are briefly proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuojian Li
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou, 313001, P. R. China
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Ali Imran Channa
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| | - Zhiming M Wang
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou, 313001, P. R. China
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, P. R. China
| | - Xin Tong
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou, 313001, P. R. China
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yu C, Huang Z, Wang J, Xie G, Jiang S, Xie X, Ma T, Zhang N. Engineering the Metal/Dielectric Interface to Unlock the Potential of Scattered Light for Boosted Photoredox Catalysis. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15666-15677. [PMID: 37523449 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c02766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The recycling of scattered light by metals has been emerging as a promising light-manipulation-capture strategy, but how to bring its potential into better play remains to be explored. Herein, we present that constructing dual metal/high-refractive-index dielectric interfaces within the SiO2 core@TiO2 shell-Pd satellite@TiO2 shell effectively strengthens both the scattering efficiency of the dielectric SiO2 support and electric field confinement. Consequently, the absorption of Pd toward near-field scattered light and the interfacial charge carrier separation are both enhanced. The synergy of these effects leads to boosted photoactivity toward the aerobic oxidation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone and the anaerobic reduction of proton for hydrogen evolution under visible-light irradiation as compared to the counterparts with a single metal/dielectric interface and dual metal/dielectric interfaces consisting of low-refractive-index dielectric component. Notably, the similar enhancements in both optical absorption and photoactivity can be achieved through the present dual metal/high-refractive-index dielectric interfaces engineering strategy for other metals, such as Pt nanoparticles. This work presents an instructive avenue to upgrade the optical response of metals and thus the photocatalytic performance by engineering metal/dielectric interfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changqiang Yu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Guanshun Xie
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Shuaiyu Jiang
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Xiuqiang Xie
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Tianyi Ma
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Liu C, Zhang N, Li Y, Fan R, Wang W, Feng J, Liu C, Wang J, Hao W, Li Z, Zou Z. Long-term durability of metastable β-Fe 2O 3 photoanodes in highly corrosive seawater. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4266. [PMID: 37460538 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Durability is one prerequisite for material application. Photoelectrochemical decomposition of seawater is a promising approach to produce clean hydrogen by using solar energy, but it always faces the problem of serious Cl- corrosion. We find that the main deactivation mechanism of the photoanode is oxide surface reconstruction accompanied by the coordination of Cl- during seawater splitting, and the stability of the photoanode can be effectively improved by enhancing the metal-oxygen interaction. Taking the metastable β-Fe2O3 photoanode as an example, Sn added to the lattice can enhance the M-O bonding energy and hinder the transfer of protons to lattice oxygen, thereby inhibiting excessive surface hydration and Cl- coordination. Therefore, the bare Sn/β-Fe2O3 photoanode delivers a record durability for photoelectrochemical seawater splitting over 3000 h.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changhao Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Ningsi Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yang Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Rongli Fan
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Jianyong Feng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Chen Liu
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jiaou Wang
- Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Weichang Hao
- School of Physics and Centre of Quantum and Matter Sciences, International Research Institute for Multidisciplinary Science, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhaosheng Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Zhigang Zou
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Nano Technology, Nanjing University, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zeng Z, Li S, Que X, Peng J, Li J, Zhai M. Gamma Radiation Synthesis of Ag/P25 Nanocomposites for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Contaminant. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13101666. [PMID: 37242082 DOI: 10.3390/nano13101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has garnered significant attention among various photocatalysts, whereas its photocatalytic activity is limited by its wide bandgap and inefficient charge separation, making the exploration of new strategies to improve its photocatalytic performance increasingly important. Here, we report the synthesis of Ag/P25 nanocomposites through a one-step gamma-ray radiation method using AgNO3 and commercial TiO2 (Degussa P25). The resulting products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis diffused reflectance spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effect of free radical scavengers, feed ratios of Ag/P25, and dose rates on the photocatalytic activity of the Ag/P25 nanocomposites were systematically investigated using rhodamine B under Xenon light irradiation. The results showed that the Ag/P25 photocatalyst synthesized with a feed ratio of 2.5 wt% and isopropyl alcohol as the free radical scavenger at a dose rate of 130 Gy/min exhibited outstanding photocatalytic activity, with a reaction rate constant of 0.0674 min-1, much higher than that of P25. Additionally, we found that the particle size of Ag could be effectively controlled by changing the dose rate, and the Ag/P25 nanocomposites doped with smaller size of Ag nanoparticles performed higher photocatalytic activities. The synthesis strategy presented in this study offers new insight into the future development of highly efficient photocatalysts using radiation techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihua Zeng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Key Laboratory of Fundamental Science, The Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shuangxiao Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Key Laboratory of Fundamental Science, The Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xueyan Que
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Key Laboratory of Fundamental Science, The Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Key Laboratory of Fundamental Science, The Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jiuqiang Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Key Laboratory of Fundamental Science, The Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Maolin Zhai
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Radiochemistry and Radiation Chemistry Key Laboratory of Fundamental Science, The Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
King AJ, Weber AZ, Bell AT. Theory and Simulation of Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) Photoelectrodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:23024-23039. [PMID: 37154402 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
A metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structure is an attractive photoelectrode-catalyst architecture for promoting photoelectrochemical reactions, such as the formation of H2 by proton reduction. The metal catalyzes the generation of H2 using electrons generated by photon absorption and charge separation in the semiconductor. The insulator layer between the metal and the semiconductor protects the latter element from photo-corrosion and, also, significantly impacts the photovoltage at the metal surface. Understanding how the insulator layer determines the photovoltage and what properties lead to high photovoltages is critical to the development of MIS structures for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. Herein, we present a continuum model for charge-carrier transport from the semiconductor to the metal with an emphasis on mechanisms of charge transport across the insulator. The polarization curves and photovoltages predicted by this model for a Pt/HfO2/p-Si MIS structure at different HfO2 thicknesses agree well with experimentally measured data. The simulations reveal how insulator properties (i.e., thickness and band structure) affect band bending near the semiconductor/insulator interface and how tuning them can lead to operation closer to the maximally attainable photovoltage, the flat-band potential. This phenomenon is understood by considering the change in tunneling resistance with insulator properties. The model shows that the best MIS performance is attained with highly symmetric semiconductor/insulator band offsets (e.g., BeO, MgO, SiO2, HfO2, or ZrO2 deposited on Si) and a low to moderate insulator thickness (e.g., between 0.8 and 1.5 nm). Beyond 1.5 nm, the density of filled interfacial trap sites is high and significantly limits the photovoltage and the solar-to-chemical conversion rate. These conclusions are true for photocathodes and photoanodes. This understanding provides critical insight into the phenomena enhancing and limiting photoelectrode performance and how this phenomenon is influenced by insulator properties. The study gives guidance toward the development of next-generation insulators for MIS structures that achieve high performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex J King
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Liquid Sunlight Alliance, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Adam Z Weber
- Liquid Sunlight Alliance, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Alexis T Bell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Liquid Sunlight Alliance, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Xiao M, Yuan G, Lu Z, Xia J, Li D, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Pei F, Chen C, Bai Y, Song T, Dou J, Li Y, Chen Y, Xu Z, Yang X, Liu Z, Liu X, Zhu C, Chen Q. Engineering Amorphous-Crystallized Interface of ZrN x Barriers for Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2301684. [PMID: 37120149 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
It is challenging to achieve long-term stability of perovskite solar cells due to the corrosion and diffusion of metal electrodes. Integration of compact barriers into devices has been recognized as an effective strategy to protect the perovskite absorber and electrode. However, the difficulty is to construct a thin layer of a few nanometers that can delay ion migration and impede chemical reactions simultaneously, in which the delicate microstructure design of a stable material plays an important role. Herein, ZrNx barrier films with high amorphization are introduced in p-i-nperovskite solar cells. To quantify the amorphous-crystalline (a-c) density, pattern recognition techniques are employed. It is found the decreasing a-c interface in an amorphous film leads to dense atom arrangement and uniform distribution of chemical potential, which retards the interdiffusion at the interface between ions and metal atoms and protect the electrodes from corrosion. The resultant solar cells exhibit improved operational stability, which retains 88% of initial efficiency after continuous maximum power point tracking under 1-Sun illumination at room temperature (25 °C) for 1500 h.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Xiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Guizhou Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ziheng Lu
- Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK
| | - Jing Xia
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Dong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Fengtao Pei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Changli Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Tinglu Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jie Dou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yujing Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zipeng Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zelong Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- State Key Laboratory of Explosion Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Construction Tailorable Advanced Functional Materials and Green Applications, MIIT Key Laboratory for Low-dimensional Quantum Structure and Devices, Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Xie J, Ye Q, Zhou J, Liao Y, Qian G. The Photocatalytic Activity of CaTiO 3 Derived from the Microwave-Melting Heating Process of Blast Furnace Slag. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1412. [PMID: 37110996 PMCID: PMC10142369 DOI: 10.3390/nano13081412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The extraction of titanium-bearing components in the form of CaTiO3 is an efficient utilization of blast furnace slag. The photocatalytic performance of this obtained CaTiO3 (MM-CaTiO3) as a catalyst for methylene blue (MB) degradation was evaluated in this study. The analyses indicated that the MM-CaTiO3 had a completed structure with a special length-diameter ratio. Furthermore, the oxygen vacancy was easier to generate on a MM-CaTiO3(110) plane during the photocatalytic process, contributing to improving photocatalytic activity. Compared with traditional catalysts, MM-CaTiO3 has a narrower optical band gap and visible-light responsive performance. The degradation experiments further confirmed that the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of pollutants by using MM-CaTiO3 was 3.2 times that of pristine CaTiO3 in optimized conditions. Combined with molecular simulation, the degradation mechanism clarified that acridine of MB molecular was stepwise destroyed by using MM-CaTiO3 in short times, which is different from demethylation and methylenedioxy ring degradation by using TiO2. This study provided a promising routine for using solid waste to obtain catalysts with excellent photocatalytic activity and was found to be in keeping with sustainable environmental development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Xie
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (J.X.)
| | - Qing Ye
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (J.X.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Efficient Utilization and Agglomeration of Metallurgic Mineral Resources, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Jianghao Zhou
- School of Materials and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Yue Liao
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (J.X.)
| | - Gongming Qian
- School of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (J.X.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory for Efficient Utilization and Agglomeration of Metallurgic Mineral Resources, Wuhan 430081, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Dong Y, Abbasi M, Meng J, German L, Carlos C, Li J, Zhang Z, Morgan D, Hwang J, Wang X. Substantial lifetime enhancement for Si-based photoanodes enabled by amorphous TiO 2 coating with improved stoichiometry. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1865. [PMID: 37015923 PMCID: PMC10073107 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37154-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amorphous titanium dioxide (TiO2) film coating by atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a promising strategy to extend the photoelectrode lifetime to meet the industrial standard for solar fuel generation. To realize this promise, the essential structure-property relationship that dictates the protection lifetime needs to be uncovered. In this work, we reveal that in addition to the imbedded crystalline phase, the presence of residual chlorine (Cl) ligands is detrimental to the silicon (Si) photoanode lifetime. We further demonstrate that post-ALD in-situ water treatment can effectively decouple the ALD reaction completeness from crystallization. The as-processed TiO2 film has a much lower residual Cl concentration and thus an improved film stoichiometry, while its uniform amorphous phase is well preserved. As a result, the protected Si photoanode exhibits a substantially improved lifetime to ~600 h at a photocurrent density of more than 30 mA/cm2. This study demonstrates a significant advancement toward sustainable hydrogen generation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Dong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Mehrdad Abbasi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Jun Meng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Lazarus German
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Corey Carlos
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Ziyi Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Dane Morgan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Jinwoo Hwang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chen H, Xiong Y, Li J, Abed J, Wang D, Pedrazo-Tardajos A, Cao Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Shakouri M, Xiao Q, Hu Y, Bals S, Sargent EH, Su CY, Yang Z. Epitaxially grown silicon-based single-atom catalyst for visible-light-driven syngas production. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1719. [PMID: 36977716 PMCID: PMC10050177 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37401-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving the dispersion of active sites simultaneous with the efficient harvest of photons is a key priority for photocatalysis. Crystalline silicon is abundant on Earth and has a suitable bandgap. However, silicon-based photocatalysts combined with metal elements has proved challenging due to silicon's rigid crystal structure and high formation energy. Here we report a solid-state chemistry that produces crystalline silicon with well-dispersed Co atoms. Isolated Co sites in silicon are obtained through the in-situ formation of CoSi2 intermediate nanodomains that function as seeds, leading to the production of Co-incorporating silicon nanocrystals at the CoSi2/Si epitaxial interface. As a result, cobalt-on-silicon single-atom catalysts achieve an external quantum efficiency of 10% for CO2-to-syngas conversion, with CO and H2 yields of 4.7 mol g(Co)-1 and 4.4 mol g(Co)-1, respectively. Moreover, the H2/CO ratio is tunable between 0.8 and 2. This photocatalyst also achieves a corresponding turnover number of 2 × 104 for visible-light-driven CO2 reduction over 6 h, which is over ten times higher than previously reported single-atom photocatalysts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huai Chen
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Lehn Institute of Functional Materials, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Xiong
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Lehn Institute of Functional Materials, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A4, Canada
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, China
| | - Jehad Abed
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Da Wang
- Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Adrián Pedrazo-Tardajos
- Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yueping Cao
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Lehn Institute of Functional Materials, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiting Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Lehn Institute of Functional Materials, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mohsen Shakouri
- Canadian Light Source, Inc. (CLSI), Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Qunfeng Xiao
- Canadian Light Source, Inc. (CLSI), Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Yongfeng Hu
- Canadian Light Source, Inc. (CLSI), Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Sara Bals
- Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT), University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
- NANOlab Center of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Edward H Sargent
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A4, Canada
| | - Cheng-Yong Su
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Lehn Institute of Functional Materials, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhenyu Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry, Lehn Institute of Functional Materials, School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Andrei V, Roh I, Yang P. Nanowire photochemical diodes for artificial photosynthesis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade9044. [PMID: 36763656 PMCID: PMC9917021 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade9044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Artificial photosynthesis can provide a solution to our current energy needs by converting small molecules such as water or carbon dioxide into useful fuels. This can be accomplished using photochemical diodes, which interface two complementary light absorbers with suitable electrocatalysts. Nanowire semiconductors provide unique advantages in terms of light absorption and catalytic activity, yet great control is required to integrate them for overall fuel production. In this review, we journey across the progress in nanowire photoelectrochemistry (PEC) over the past two decades, revealing design principles to build these nanowire photochemical diodes. To this end, we discuss the latest progress in terms of nanowire photoelectrodes, focusing on the interplay between performance, photovoltage, electronic band structure, and catalysis. Emphasis is placed on the overall system integration and semiconductor-catalyst interface, which applies to inorganic, organic, or biologic catalysts. Last, we highlight further directions that may improve the scope of nanowire PEC systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virgil Andrei
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Inwhan Roh
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Liquid Sunlight Alliance, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Peidong Yang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Liquid Sunlight Alliance, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Kavli Energy NanoScience Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
ConspectusPorous materials have wide applications in the fields of catalysis, separation, and energy conversion and storage. Porous materials contain pores that are specifically designed to achieve expectant performance. The solid phases in porous materials are normally completely continuous to form the basic porous frame while the pores are fluid phase within the solid phase. Single crystals are macroscopic materials in three spatial dimensions with the constituent atoms, ions, molecules, or molecular assemblies arranged in an orderly repeating pattern with the ordered structures. The growth of single crystals is indeed a process to arrange these constituents in three dimensions into a repeating pattern within the materials. Today the applications of single crystals are exponentially growing in wide fields, and single crystals are therefore unacknowledged as the pillars of our modern technology. Introducing porosity into single crystals would be expected to create a new kind of porous material in which the basic porous frames are single-crystalline and free of grain boundaries. The structural symmetry is completely maintained within the basic porous frames which are a continuous solid phase, but it is completely lost inside the pores. The porous architecture is free of grain boundaries, and the fully interconnected skeletons are in single-crystalline states within the basic porous frames. Single crystals with porosities can therefore be considered to be a new kind of porous material, but they are single-crystal-like because the structural symmetry is maintained only in the skeletons and completely lost within the pores. We therefore call them porous single crystals or consider them in porous single-crystalline states to stand out with their structural features. Porous single crystals at the macroscale combine the advantages of porous materials and single crystals to incorporate both porosity and structural coherence in a porous architecture, leading to invaluable opportunities to alter the material's properties by controlling the unique structural features to enhance its performance. However, the growth of single crystals in three dimensions reduces the formation of porosities, leading to a fundamental challenge for introducing porosity into single crystals in a traditional process of crystal growth. In this Account, we report the rational design, growth methodology, and microstructural engineering of porous single crystals in a solid-solid transformation. We rationally design a high-density mother phase in a single-crystalline state and transform it into a low-density new phase in a single-crystalline state to introduce porosities into single crystals even incorporating the removal of specific compositions from the mother phase during the growth of porous single crystals. The porosity can be tailored by controlling the change in relative densities from the mother phase to the porous single crystals while the pore size can be engineered by controlling the fabrication conditions. Considering the unique structural features, we explore their functionalities and applications in photoelectrochemical energy conversion, electrochemical alkane conversion, and electrochemical energy storage. We believe that the materials, if tailored into porous single-crystalline states, would not only find a broad range of applications in other fields but also enable a new path for material innovations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Li
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials Chemistry and Physics, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Kui Xie
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials Chemistry and Physics, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou 350002, China.,Fujian Science & Technology Innovation Laboratory for Optoelectronic Information of China, Fuzhou 350108, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wang P, Ding C, Deng Y, Chi H, Zheng H, Liu L, Li H, Wu Y, Liu X, Shi J, Li C. Simultaneous Improvement in Hole Storage and Interfacial Catalysis over Ni–Fe Oxyhydroxide-Modified Tantalum Nitride Photoanodes. ACS Catal 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.2c06365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chunmei Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuting Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haibo Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Haibing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongkuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jingying Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Can Li
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan Road 457, Dalian 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Upconversion Photoinduced Electrochemiluminescence of Luminol-H2O2 at Si/SiOx/Ni Photoanodes. Electrochim Acta 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2023.142013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
45
|
Wang Y, Li X, Huang Z, Wang H, Chen Z, Zhang J, Zheng X, Deng Y, Hu W. Amorphous Mo-doped NiS 0.5 Se 0.5 Nanosheets@Crystalline NiS 0.5 Se 0.5 Nanorods for High Current-density Electrocatalytic Water Splitting in Neutral Media. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215256. [PMID: 36461715 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
It is vitally important to develop highly active, robust and low-cost transition metal-based electrocatalysts for overall water splitting in neutral solution especially at large current density. In this work, amorphous Mo-doped NiS0.5 Se0.5 nanosheets@crystalline NiS0.5 Se0.5 nanorods (Am-Mo-NiS0.5 Se0.5 ) was synthesized using a facil one-step strategy. In phosphate buffer saline solution, the Am-Mo-NiS0.5 Se0.5 shows tiny overpotentials of 48 and 209 mV for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), 238 and 514 mV for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at 10 and 1000 mA cm-2 , respectively. Moreover, Am-Mo-NiS0.5 Se0.5 delivers excellent stability for at least 300 h without obvious degradation. Theoretical calculations revealed that the Ni sites in the defect-rich amorphous structure of Am-Mo-NiS0.5 Se0.5 owns higher electron state density and strengthened the binding energy of H2 O, which will optimize H adsorption/desorption energy barriers and reduce the adsorption energy of OER determining step.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, P. R. China
| | - Xiaopeng Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Building Green Functional Materials, Tianjin Chengjian University, Tianjin, 300384, China
| | - Zhong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, College of Information and Communication Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, P. R. China
| | - Haozhi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, P. R. China
| | - Zelin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, P. R. China
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Xuerong Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, P. R. China
| | - Yida Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, 570228, P. R. China.,School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Xu Z, Hou B, Zhao F, Suo S, Liu Y, Shi H, Cai Z, Hill CL, Musaev DG, Mecklenburg M, Cronin SB, Lian T. Direct In Situ Measurement of Quantum Efficiencies of Charge Separation and Proton Reduction at TiO 2-Protected GaP Photocathodes. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:2860-2869. [PMID: 36715560 PMCID: PMC9912250 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c10578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical solar fuel generation at the semiconductor/liquid interface consists of multiple elementary steps, including charge separation, recombination, and catalytic reactions. While the overall incident light-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) can be readily measured, identifying the microscopic efficiency loss processes remains difficult. Here, we report simultaneous in situ transient photocurrent and transient reflectance spectroscopy (TRS) measurements of titanium dioxide-protected gallium phosphide photocathodes for water reduction in photoelectrochemical cells. Transient reflectance spectroscopy enables the direct probe of the separated charge carriers responsible for water reduction to follow their kinetics. Comparison with transient photocurrent measurement allows the direct probe of the initial charge separation quantum efficiency (ϕCS) and provides support for a transient photocurrent model that divides IPCE into the product of quantum efficiencies of light absorption (ϕabs), charge separation (ϕCS), and photoreduction (ϕred), i.e., IPCE = ϕabsϕCSϕred. Our study shows that there are two general key loss pathways: recombination within the bulk GaP that reduces ϕCS and interfacial recombination at the junction that decreases ϕred. Although both loss pathways can be reduced at a more negative applied bias, for GaP/TiO2, the initial charge separation loss is the key efficiency limiting factor. Our combined transient reflectance and photocurrent study provides a time-resolved view of microscopic steps involved in the overall light-to-current conversion process and provides detailed insights into the main loss pathways of the photoelectrochemical system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr, Atlanta, Georgia30322, United States,ZJU-Hangzhou
Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310014, China
| | - Bingya Hou
- Department
of Electrical Engineering, University of
South California, 3710 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, California90089, United States
| | - Fengyi Zhao
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr, Atlanta, Georgia30322, United States
| | - Sa Suo
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr, Atlanta, Georgia30322, United States
| | - Yawei Liu
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr, Atlanta, Georgia30322, United States
| | - Haotian Shi
- Department
of Chemistry, University of South California, 3710 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, California90089, United States
| | - Zhi Cai
- Department
of Electrical Engineering, University of
South California, 3710 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, California90089, United States
| | - Craig L. Hill
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr, Atlanta, Georgia30322, United States
| | - Djamaladdin G. Musaev
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr, Atlanta, Georgia30322, United States,Cherry
L. Emerson Centre for Scientific Computation, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia30322, United
States
| | - Matthew Mecklenburg
- Core Center
of Excellence in Nano Imaging (CNI), University
of South California, 814 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles, California90089, United States
| | - Stephen B. Cronin
- Department
of Electrical Engineering, University of
South California, 3710 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, California90089, United States,Department
of Chemistry, University of South California, 3710 McClintock Ave, Los Angeles, California90089, United States,
| | - Tianquan Lian
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, 1515 Dickey Dr, Atlanta, Georgia30322, United States,
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Li R, Jiang X, Zhou C, Topsakal M, Nykypanchuk D, Attenkofer K, Stacchiola DJ, Hybertsen MS, Stavitski E, Qu X, Lu D, Liu M. Deciphering phase evolution in complex metal oxide thin films via high-throughput materials synthesis and characterization. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 34:125701. [PMID: 36538812 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/acad09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Discovery of structure-property relationships in thin film alloys of complex metal oxides enabled by high-throughput materials synthesis and characterization facilities is demonstrated here with a case-study. Thin films of binary transition metal oxides (Ti-Zn) are prepared by pulsed laser deposition with continuously varying Ti:Zn ratio, creating combinatorial samples for exploration of the properties of this material family. The atomic structure and electronic properties are probed by spatially resolved techniques including x-ray absorption near edge structures (XANES) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) at the Ti and Zn K-edge, x-ray diffraction, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The observed properties as a function of Ti:Zn ratio are resolved into mixtures of five distinguishable phases by deploying multivariate curve resolution analysis on the XANES spectral series, under constraints set by results from the other characterization techniques. First-principles computations based on density function theory connect the observed properties of each distinct phase with structural and spectral characteristics of crystalline polymorphs of Ti-Zn oxide. Continuous tuning of the optical absorption edge as a function of Ti:Zn ratio, including the unusual observation of negative optical bowing, exemplifies a functional property of the film correlated to the phase evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoshui Li
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States of America
| | - Xuance Jiang
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
- Department of Physics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States of America
| | - Chenyu Zhou
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Mehmet Topsakal
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Dmytro Nykypanchuk
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Klaus Attenkofer
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Dario J Stacchiola
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Mark S Hybertsen
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Eli Stavitski
- National Synchrotron Light Source II, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Xiaohui Qu
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Deyu Lu
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| | - Mingzhao Liu
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Meng J, Abbasi M, Dong Y, Carlos C, Wang X, Hwang J, Morgan D. Experimentally informed structure optimization of amorphous TiO 2 films grown by atomic layer deposition. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:718-729. [PMID: 36519339 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr03614b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Amorphous titanium dioxide TiO2 (a-TiO2) has been widely studied, particularly as a protective coating layer on semiconductors to prevent corrosion and promote electron-hole conduction in photoelectrochemical reactions. The stability and longevity of a-TiO2 is strongly affected by the thickness and structural heterogeneity, implying that understanding the structure properties of a-TiO2 is crucial for improving the performance. This study characterized the structural and electronic properties of a-TiO2 thin films (∼17 nm) grown on Si by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Fluctuation spectra V(k) and angular correlation functions were determined with 4-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM), which revealed the distinctive medium-range ordering in the a-TiO2 film. A realistic atomic model of a-TiO2 was established guided by the medium-range ordering and the previously reported short-range ordering of a-TiO2 film, as well as the interatomic potential. The structure was optimized by the StructOpt code using a genetic algorithm that simultaneously minimizes energy and maximizes the match to experimental short- and medium-range ordering. The StructOpt a-TiO2 model presents improved agreements with the medium-range ordering and the k-space location of the dominant 2-fold angular correlations compared with a traditional melt-quenched model. The electronic structure of the StructOpt a-TiO2 model was studied by ab initio calculations and compared to the crystalline phases and experimental results. This work uncovered the medium-range ordering in a-TiO2 thin films and provided a realistic a-TiO2 structure model for further investigation of structure-property relationships and materials design. In addition, the improved multi-objective optimization package StructOpt was provided for structure determination of complex materials guided by experiments and simulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Meng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Mehrdad Abbasi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - Yutao Dong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Corey Carlos
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Jinwoo Hwang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
| | - Dane Morgan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhang Z, Lu P, Zhao T, Su H, Xu Q. Improving Performance of an Integrated Solar Flow Battery by Cr- and Cu-Doped TiO 2 Photoelectrodes. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010171. [PMID: 36615363 PMCID: PMC9822185 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This work reports on the preparation of Cr-doped TiO2 (Cr−TiO2), Cu-doped (Cu-TiO2), and its utilization in the photoanode of a solar redox flow battery (SRFB). A pure TiO2 electrode, Cr-doped TiO2 electrode, and Cu-doped TiO2 electrode coated with different layers are prepared by the sol-gel method. XRD, XPS, and SEM are used to characterize the relevant data of the electrode. All three electrodes show the structure of the anatase phase, but the Cu-TiO2 and Cr-TiO2 electrodes are more crystalline. Using these materials as photoelectrodes to prepare integrated solar flow cells, the semi-cell and full-cell tests show that the doping of Cr and Cu improves the efficiency and charging current of solar cells. The average charging currents of the Cu-TiO2 and Cr-TiO2 electrodes are 384.20 μA and 450.75 μA, respectively, compared with the TiO2 electrode; this increment reaches values of 71.23% and 100.97%.
Collapse
|