Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sheng Lin, He Ren, Zhi Wu, Lan Sun, Xia-Guang Zhang, Yu-Mei Lin, Kelvin H. L. Zhang, Chang-Jian Lin, Zhong-Qun Tian, Jian-Feng Li
Summary: A direct Z-scheme photoelectrocatalytic electrode based on a WO3-x nanowire-bridged TiO2 nanorod array heterojunction was constructed for overall water splitting and hydrogen evolution. The WO3-x/TiO2 heterojunction exhibited superior photoelectrochemical activity, achieving high rates of hydrogen and oxygen evolution without the need for sacrificial agents or redox mediators. The efficient charge transfer pathway between WO3-x nanowires and TiO2 nanorods, presence of oxygen vacancies in WO3-x, and applied bias potential on the photoelectrode all contributed to the superior overall water splitting performance.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shi -Wei Lin, Mei-Hong Tong, Yan-Xin Chen, Rui Chen, Hai-Peng Zhao, Xia Jiang, Kai Yang, Can-Zhong Lu
Summary: Composite of rare earth oxides with TiO2 nanotube arrays effectively modifies the PEC behavior of TiO2. A CeO2/TiO2 heterojunction was prepared by loading CeO2 nanoparticles on anodized TiO2 nanotube arrays, demonstrating high photocurrent density and hydrogen evolution rate.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shangrong Chen, Yang Peng, Changlin Li, Zhongyu Hou
Summary: The cascade structure of TiO2/CdS/CdSe semiconductor heterojunction, synthesized by a three-step hydrothermal growth technique, enhances photo-electrochemical performances by enlarging the absorption range of solar spectra, improving the properties of photogenerated charge carriers, and reducing interface resistance. The increase in hydrothermal growth time of CdSe leads to greater photoelectrochemical water splitting performances. The underlying physics mechanisms are discussed based on the formation of a type-II energy band alignment structure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ming Meng, Yamin Feng, Chunyang Li, Zhixing Gan, Honglei Yuan, Honghui Zhang
Summary: Black 3D-TiO2 nanotube arrays were successfully fabricated on titanium meshes using an electrochemical reduction method. The optimized arrays showed a maximal photocurrent density of 1.6 mA/cm(2) and a Faradic efficiency of 100%, four times higher than that of pristine 3D-TiO2 NTAs. The improved water splitting activity is attributed to the introduction of oxygen vacancies, which shrink the bandgap and enhance visible light utilization.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maoqi Cao, Hongmei Li, Kang Liu, Junhua Hu, Hao Pan, Junwei Fu, Min Liu
Summary: Vertical SrNbO2N nanorod arrays were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method with nitridation process, and exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for solar-driven photoelectrochemical water splitting after decoration with CoOx nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mei-Hong Tong, Tian-Ming Wang, Shi-Wei Lin, Rui Chen, Xia Jiang, Yan-Xin Chen, Can-Zhong Lu
Summary: TiO2 is widely used as a photocatalyst for water splitting due to its high activity, low cost, abundance, safety, and stability. However, its further utilization is limited by its wide band gap and rapid recombination speed. In this study, ultra-thin carbon-doped TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated, which exhibited high photoelectrochemical activity and significantly narrowed band gaps and decreased charge resistance. The results suggest that ultra-thin carbon doping in TiO2 nanotube arrays can optimize photocatalysts for PEC water splitting.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Robabeh Bashiri, Muhammad Syahmi Irfan, Norani Muti Mohamed, Suriati Sufian, Liew Yi Ling, Nur Amirah Suhaimi, Mohamad Fakhrul Ridhwan Samsudin
Summary: The fabrication of SrTiO3@TiO2@Fe2O3 nanorod heterostructure for photocatalytic solar hydrogen production was demonstrated, optimizing the composition of Sr and Fe on the surface. The optimized heterostructure showed improved photoconversion efficiency and high hydrogen production. Manipulation of morphology and energy band alignment greatly influenced the physicochemical and photoelectrochemical properties of the materials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhongrui Yu, Ying Li, Jiangtao Qu, Rongkun Zheng, Julie M. Cairney, Jiujun Zhang, Mingyuan Zhu, Aslam Khan, Wenxian Li
Summary: A hierarchical Co3O4/P-C3N4/TiO2 photoanode with improved visible lights absorption and enhanced PEC performance was achieved by encapsulating 1-D TiO2 nanorod arrays with phosphorous doped graphitic carbon nitride (P-C3N4) and decorating them with highly dispersed 0-D Co3O4 nanodots. The matched energy band positions in the photoanode facilitate swift diffusion of photogenerated holes, while the short diffusion path in Co3O4 nanodots suppresses the accumulation of surface positive charge. This study presents a perspective for enhanced visible light response in Co3O4/P-C3N4/TiO2 heterostructural photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Krystyna Mika, Karolina Syrek, Tomasz Uchacz, Grzegorz D. Sulka, Leszek Zaraska
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive characterization of the photoelectrochemical activity of dark ZnO layers formed by anodic oxidation of metallic zinc, and reveals the relationship between morphology variations under different processing conditions and photoelectrochemical performance.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hai-Peng Zhao, Mei-Ling Zhu, Hao-Yan Shi, Qian-Qian Zhou, Rui Chen, Shi-Wei Lin, Mei-Hong Tong, Ming-Hao Ji, Xia Jiang, Chen-Xing Liao, Yan-Xin Chen, Can-Zhong Lu
Summary: In this study, Ce-doped Fe2O3 nanorod arrays were prepared using a simple hydrothermal method. The Ce doping improved the visible light absorption of Fe2O3 and effectively inhibited the recombination of electron/hole pairs. The Ce-doped sample exhibited superior PEC performance with a photocurrent density of 1.47 mA/cm(2).
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siti Nurul Falaein Moridon, Khuzaimah Arifin, Mohamad Azuwa Mohamed, Lorna Jeffery Minggu, Rozan Mohamad Yunus, Mohammad B. Kassim
Summary: The presence of Mo2C as a cocatalyst on TiO2 nanotubes enhances their photoelectrochemical performance, leading to improved water-splitting capabilities. This study introduces a potentially effective method for developing efficient photoelectrodes based on TiO2.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Monika Soltys-Mroz, Karolina Syrek, Ewelina Wiercigroch, Kamilla Malek, Krzysztof Rokosz, Steinar Raaen, Grzegorz D. Sulka
Summary: This study investigated the semiconducting and photoelectrochemical properties of nanotubular FeOx-TiO2 annealed at different temperatures, revealing that the annealing temperature has an impact on the photoelectrochemical response of the materials, with the sample annealed at 500°C showing the lowest band gap value.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Joo-Won Lee, Ki-Hyun Cho, Joon-Soo Yoon, Young-Min Kim, Yun-Mo Sung
Summary: Hydrogen energy is a promising alternative to fossil fuels, and solar-driven photoelectrochemical water splitting is considered a representative technique for H-2 production due to its eco-friendly process and abundance of resources. One-dimensional nanostructures are highlighted for their potential as photocatalyst materials, offering enhanced PEC performance compared to thin-film photoelectrodes. The review of recent research on 1D nanostructured photoelectrodes provides insight into synthetic approaches and strategies to improve performance, guiding the development of advanced photoelectrodes for H-2 generation.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhao Liang, Ding Chen, Shang Xu, Zhi Fang, Lin Wang, Weiyou Yang, Huilin Hou
Summary: By synergistically employing N-doping and surface modification, this study successfully enhanced the PEC efficiency of TiO2 nanorod arrays, improving their light absorption capability and surface charge separation efficiency significantly. The PEC efficiencies were increased by 7 and 3 times compared to untreated TiO2 nanorod arrays and N-doping TiO2 counterparts, respectively.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yen -Ping Peng, En-Xian Zhang, Chia -Hung Chen, Wu -Xing Chen
Summary: In this study, iron was deposited onto titanium dioxide nanotube arrays (TNAs) using the impregnation method to enhance its photocatalytic ability. The results showed that the iron modification successfully attached iron nanoparticles evenly to the TNAs, resulting in improved degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) system. The Fe-TNAs exhibited red-shifted absorption wavelength and reduced recombination of photo-generated electron-hole pairs, leading to enhanced TCE degradation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjian Zhu, Shaopeng Qi, Yanmei Guo, Jinxi Chen, Guoning Liu, Yongbing Lou, Yixin Zhao
Summary: In this study, a high-efficiency Ni12P5/MCS composite was successfully prepared by modifying the Mn0.5Cd0.5S nanocrystals with a two-dimensional porous Ni12P5 sheet. The photo-catalytic hydrogen production rate of the composite was significantly improved, reaching 63.22 mmol g(-1) h(-1), which is about 9 times higher compared to pure Mn0.5Cd0.5S. The 2D structure and unique electronic properties of Ni12P5, as a nonnoble metal co-catalyst, not only enhanced light absorption but also effectively inhibited the recombination process of photo-generated carriers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tiantian Zhang, Yifei Cai, Yongbing Lou, Jinxi Chen
Summary: The study successfully prepared 1T-2H MoSe2/MAPbI(3) composites with excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production performance and good long-term stability. 1T-2H MoSe2 as a cocatalyst can effectively enhance electron transfer and promote the separation of photogenerated charge.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Baole Li, Ke Zhang, Shaopeng Qi, Yanmei Guo, Jinxi Chen, Yongbing Lou
Summary: This study successfully improves the cyclic stability of pseudocapacitive materials by constructing a hierarchical ZnCo2O4-ZnO/ZnCo2O4 core-shell microarchitecture composite. The material exhibits high specific capacity, ultra-high rate capability, significant pseudocapacitance contribution, and ultra-long cycle stability.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanmei Guo, Jinxi Chen, Yixin Zhao, Yongbing Lou
Summary: In this study, anchored Pb-free Cs3Bi2Br9@BiOBr perovskite quantum dots/A-SiO2 composites were developed, showing improved blue emission performance and good stability. These composites were successfully employed as photocatalysts for the oxidation of toluene, demonstrating high conversion rates and selectivity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lu Tan, Baozhen Yuan, Yongbing Lou, Yu Su, Jun-Jie Zhu
Summary: In this study, an oxygen vacancy-engineered bismuth molybdate (Bi2MoO6) light collector was developed as a chemical mechanism (CM) enhancing substrate, which exhibited superior surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensitivity and high reproducibility. The remarkable SERS enhancement was attributed to the synergistic effect of oxygen vacancy-promoted photoinduced charge transfer (PICT), enhanced light-harvesting ability, and molecule enrichment through cavity-like micro/nanostructures. Besides, the Bi2MoO6 substrate showed enhanced photo-catalytic activity for self-cleaning utilization. The oxygen vacancy-engineered Bi2MoO6 light collector provides new insights for rational CM-based SERS substrate design and opportunities for developing recyclable SERS substrates and extending applications of semiconductor-based SERS.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ke Zhang, Jun Jia, Lu Tan, Shaopeng Qi, Baole Li, Jinxi Chen, Jun Li, Yongbing Lou, Yuzheng Guo
Summary: In this study, V-doped pyrite NiS2 nanosheets grown on carbon cloth (VNS/CC) were developed as an efficient electrode material for supercapacitors and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The VNS/CC electrode exhibited high specific capacity, excellent cycling stability, and superior HER performance. The improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the doping of V on the NiS2 surface/subsurface and the optimization of water molecule adsorption/dissociation energy.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ke Zhang, Jun Jia, Endong Yang, Shaopeng Qi, Haoze Tian, Jinxi Chen, Jun Li, Yongbing Lou, Yuzheng Guo
Summary: In this study, in-plane FeP@CoP heterojunctions with rich coupling interfaces and unique electronic structures were designed for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) under different pH conditions. The 3D self-supporting structure of the heterojunctions provided high mechanical stability and electrical conductivity. The FeP@CoP catalyst exhibited outstanding durability and low overpotentials for HER in acidic, alkaline, neutral, and alkaline seawater electrolytes.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Wenjing Shang, Qiulin Li, Xiang Li, Ke Zhang, Binghao Wang, Yongbing Lou, Jinxi Chen
Summary: The design of an efficient OER catalyst is crucial for water splitting. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with their versatile structures and adjustable functions have emerged as promising electrocatalysts. In this study, 2D FexCo1-x-MOF1/NF with an extended ligand, BPDC, was fabricated on nickel foam using a solvothermal method. Compared to MOF2 synthesized with BDC, MOF1 exhibited excellent performance. Among MOF1, Fe0.5Co0.5-MOF1/NF showed outstanding activity with a low overpotential (217 mV) and a small Tafel slope (31.16 mV Dec(-1)) at 10 mA cm(-2), while maintaining good performance at high current densities. The catalyst also displayed remarkable durability in alkaline solution and simulated seawater. The synergetic effect between Fe and Co, as well as the increased number of active sites exposed, played a crucial role in enhancing the OER activity. This work provides an effective strategy for the rational design of inexpensive MOFs as electrocatalysts.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xiang Li, Qiulin Li, Wenjing Shang, Yongbing Lou, Jinxi Chen
Summary: Solar-driven water splitting is an advanced method to store abundant and intermittent solar energy and produce clean hydrogen. Constructing well-designed photocatalysts is a promising approach for clean hydrogen energy development. In this study, flower spherical UiO-66-(SCH3)(2)/ZnIn2S4 (UiOSC/ZIS) photocatalysts were synthesized and showed high hydrogen production activity in light-driven water splitting.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yingping Zheng, Dehua Yu, Wei Xu, Ke Zhang, Kaili Ma, Xinyu Guo, Yongbing Lou, Mulin Hu
Summary: Electrochemical water splitting is a potential technique for green hydrogen energy generation, but the use of seawater as raw material is restricted by the decrease in activity, low stability, and selectivity caused by the precipitation reaction of chloride ions. In this study, a FeCoP catalyst grown on a rGO-protected Ni Foam substrate showed high electrocatalytic performance in alkaline seawater electrolysis, with low overpotentials and long-term stability.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lu Tan, Shuzhen Yue, Yongbing Lou, Jun-Jie Zhu
Summary: In this study, a chemical mechanism-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate with remarkable enhancement and sensitivity was developed using a band structure engineered W18O49/g-C3N4 heterostructure. The Raman enhancement behavior of the substrate was attributed to efficient charge transfer, energy band matching resonance, and improved photo-induced charge transfer (PICT) efficiency. Additionally, a flexible SERS substrate based on this heterostructure was constructed and successfully used for the detection of prohibited pharmaceutical residues on fish skin.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lu Tan, Yongbing Lou, Jun-Jie Zhu
Summary: Self-assembled hollow Ag octahedra on PDMS were used to fabricate SERS chips for sensitive detection and precise identification of antibiotics. These chips were successfully applied in wastewater, tap water, and milk samples, demonstrating their high sensitivity in real environments.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xuemin Wang, Ke Zhang, Yuhan Xie, Dehua Yu, Haoze Tian, Yongbing Lou
Summary: The study developed a new interface engineering strategy by electrodeposition, resulting in a heterostructure MnOxHy/CoMoP/NF with remarkable catalytic activity for both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The study demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating a heterogeneous structure with bifunctional catalytic activity and excellent stability.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaqi He, Xiang Li, Tiantian Zhang, Qiulin Li, Yongbing Lou, Jinxi Chen
Summary: In this study, hollow MoS2 microspheres were synthesized and supported on the surface of MAPbI(3) to construct H-MoS2/MAPbI(3) composite materials, which exhibited excellent photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. The efficient separation of photogenerated electrons and holes by H-MoS2 as a cocatalyst was the key factor for the superior performance of H-MoS2/MAPbI(3) composites.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Haoze Tian, Ke Zhang, Xiaoan Feng, Jinxi Chen, Yongbing Lou
Summary: Developing high-performance catalysts, such as the core-shell electrocatalyst CoMoO4/NiFe-LDH@NF, can greatly enhance the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Experimental investigations showed that this catalyst had abundant active sites, fast electron transfer, and excellent long-cycle stability. The unique structure of the catalyst, with CoMoO4 nanorods as the core and NiFe-LDH as the shell, contributed to its superior catalytic performance and fast intrinsic reaction kinetics.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
