Photoelectrochemical Behavior of the Ternary Heterostructured Systems CdS/WO3/TiO2

Editorial: Special Issue on Photocatalytic Nanocomposite Materials (PNMs)

This Special Issue titled “Photocatalytic Nanocomposite Materials” (PNMs) is devoted to the research into new-generation PNMs, particularly for the processes of solar radiation energy conversion with its focus lying on the physicochemical principles of creating new materials with purposeful properties for their specific applications [...]

Photoactive Heterostructures: How They Are Made and Explored

In our review we consider the results on the development and exploration of heterostructured photoactive materials with major attention focused on what are the better ways to form this type of materials and how to explore them correctly. Regardless of what type of heterostructure, metal–semiconductor or semiconductor–semiconductor, is formed, its functionality strongly depends on the quality of heterojunction. In turn, it depends on the selection of the heterostructure components (their chemical and physical properties) and on the proper choice of the synthesis method. Several examples of the different approaches such as in situ and ex situ, bottom-up and top-down, are reviewed. At the same time, even if the synthesis of heterostructured photoactive materials seems to be successful, strong experimental physical evidence demonstrating true heterojunction formation are required. A possibility for obtaining such evidence using different physical techniques is discussed. Particularly, it is demonstrated that the ability of optical spectroscopy to study heterostructured materials is in fact very limited. At the same time, such experimental techniques as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electrophysical methods (work function measurements and impedance spectroscopy) present a true signature of heterojunction formation. Therefore, whatever the purpose of heterostructure formation and studies is, the application of HRTEM and electrophysical methods is necessary to confirm that formation of the heterojunction was successful.

Two-Dimensional Materials and Composites as Potential Water Splitting Photocatalysts: A Review

Hydrogen production via water dissociation under exposure to sunlight has emanated as an environmentally friendly, highly productive and expedient process to overcome the energy production and consumption gap, while evading the challenges of fossil fuel depletion and ecological contamination. Various classes of materials are being explored as viable photocatalysts to achieve this purpose, among which, the two-dimensional materials have emerged as prominent candidates, having the intrinsic advantages of visible light sensitivity; structural and chemical tuneability; extensively exposed surface area; and flexibility to form composites and heterostructures. In an abridged manner, the common types of 2D photocatalysts, their position as potential contenders in photocatalytic processes, their derivatives and their modifications are described herein, as it all applies to achieving the coveted chemical and physical properties by fine-tuning the synthesis techniques, precursor ingredients and nano-structural alterations.

Core-Shell Nanostructures of Graphene-Wrapped CdS Nanoparticles and TiO2 (CdS@G@TiO2): The Role of Graphene in Enhanced Photocatalytic H2 Generation

Aiming to achieve enhanced photocatalytic activity and stability toward the generation of H2 from water, we have synthesized noble metal-free core-shell nanoparticles of graphene (G)-wrapped CdS and TiO2 (CdS@G@TiO2) by a facile hydrothermal method. The interlayer thickness of G between the CdS core and TiO2 shell is optimized by varying the amount of graphene quantum dots (GQD) during the synthesis procedure. The most optimized sample, i.e., CdS@50G@TiO2 generated 1510 µmole g−1 h−1 of H2 (apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) = 5.78%) from water under simulated solar light with air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5G) condition which is ~2.7 times and ~2.2 time superior to pure TiO2 and pure CdS respectively, along with a stable generation of H2 during 40 h of continuous operation. The increased photocatalytic activity and stability of the CdS@50G@TiO2 sample are attributed to the enhanced visible light absorption and efficient charge separation and transfer between the CdS and TiO2 due to incorporation of graphene between the CdS core and TiO2 shell, which was also confirmed by UV-vis, photoelectrochemical and valence band XPS measurements.