Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yongle Zhao, Guiji Liu, Hong Wang, Yuying Gao, Tingting Yao, Wenwen Shi, Can Li
Summary: This study demonstrates an ultrastable Ta3N5 photoanode modified with an AlOx dielectric layer and a hole storage layer that achieves a significant inhibition of photocorrosion and an ultrastable photocurrent generation of 11.8 mA cm(-2) over 120 hours. The crucial role of the AlOx dielectric layer in rational interface engineering of photoelectrodes is revealed.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jin Young Park, Gisang Park, Sung Yong Bae, Hae Jeong Kim, Duck Hoon Lee, Seonkyung Ko, Soo-Kwan Kim, Gyudong Lee, Hyung Ryul You, Hyosung Choi, Jong-Sung Yu, Younghoon Kim, Jongmin Choi
Summary: This study presents a solution-processable AgBiS2 nanocrystal (NC) photoanode design strategy for visible-light-driven PEC water splitting. The AgBiS2 NC photoanode exhibits excellent electron collection ability and low interfacial charge transfer resistance, resulting in higher photocurrent density than traditional photoanodes. Compared to Bi2S3 NC photoanodes, the AgBiS2 NC photoanode emits a significantly higher percentage of photocurrent density under visible and near-IR light, demonstrating its superiority for application in highly efficient visible-light-driven PEC devices.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yinyin Li, Qiannan Wu, Yifan Chen, Rui Zhang, Cuiyan Li, Kai Zhang, Mingjie Li, Yanhong Lin, Dejun Wang, Xiaoxin Zou, Tengfeng Xie
Summary: Exploiting interface-engineering of In2O3-based photoanode to achieve higher charge separation efficiency is crucial in water splitting research. The Ti-Fe2O3/In2O3 photoanodes with optimized Ti4+ doping concentration showed excellent PEC performance, achieving the highest photocurrent density and confirming the Z-scheme transfer mechanism through femtosecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopy and in-situ double-beam detection strategy. This work provides an effective strategy for designing and regulating high-efficiency composite photoanodes.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ziyu Wang, Yimo Qin, Xin Wu, Kui He, Xiaolong Li, Juan Wang
Summary: The construction of a 1D/2D hierarchical heterostructured photoanode was studied for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. It was found that the attachment of ultra-thin Hematene on an ordered ZnO nanorod array significantly improved the onset potential and incident photon-to-current efficiency of the photoelectrochemical reaction, overcoming the limitations of light absorption and electron-hole recombination.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Meihong Chen, Xiaobo Chang, Can Li, Hongqiang Wang, Lichao Jia
Summary: FeOOH/Ni-BiVO4 photoanode synthesized by a facile wet chemical method shows improved charge transport and separation efficiency. The water oxidation photocurrent density reaches 3.02 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V vs RHE, and the surface separation efficiency is boosted to 73.3%, about 4 times higher than that of the pure sample. Ni doping promotes hole transport/trapping and introduces more active sites for water oxidation, while FeOOH co-catalyst passivates the Ni-BiVO4 photoanode surface. This work provides a model for the design of BiVO4-based photoanodes with thermodynamic and kinetic advantages.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Pratik Mane, Indrajit Bagal, Hyojung Bae, Vishal Burungale, Chaewon Seong, Sang-Wan Ryu, Jun-Seok Ha
Summary: This study investigates the interface-engineered monoclinic bismuth vanadate photoanodes, which improve charge carrier transport and significantly enhance the performance of photoelectrochemical water splitting.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yunmei Du, Bin Li, Guangrui Xu, Lei Wang
Summary: This review provides a systematic introduction to the development of heterostructure catalysts, including interface classification, interface growth and synthesis, and regulation of electrocatalytic performance based on the interfacial microenvironment. It offers useful insights on the design and construction of interfacial models.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanfei Li, Ruikang Zhang, Jianming Li, Jingchao Liu, Yucong Miao, Jian Guo, Mingfei Shao
Summary: A ternary photoanode TiO2/CuPc/NiFe-LDH is reported in this study, which shows enhanced light absorption and water oxidation efficiency. The synergistic effect of CuPc and NiFe-LDH significantly improves the photocurrent density and stability of the photoanode.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenzi Li, Jiaxing Wu, Lijun Liao, Xiangyi He, Baoxia Huang, Shiyu Zhang, Yuxiu Wei, Shijie Wang, Wei Zhou
Summary: The study utilizes surface defect engineering to enhance the photoelectrochemical activity of γ-Fe2O3 nanorod photoanodes. The as-prepared one-dimensional defective nanorods show superior visible-light absorption capacity and excellent photoelectrochemical performance.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sang Eon Jun, Youn-Hye Kim, Jaehyun Kim, Woo Seok Cheon, Sungkyun Choi, Jinwook Yang, Hoonkee Park, Hyungsoo Lee, Sun Hwa Park, Ki Chang Kwon, Jooho Moon, Soo-Hyun Kim, Ho Won Jang
Summary: This study demonstrates the decoration of iridium single atoms (SAs) on silicon photoanodes, and assesses their role in separating and transferring photogenerated charge carriers. By embedding the iridium SAs in a NiO/Ni thin film, a benchmarking photoelectrochemical performance is achieved with high photocurrent density and stability. This research provides insights into the rational design of SAs on silicon photoelectrodes and the potential of iridium SAs in boosting photogenerated charge carrier kinetics.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xin Sun, Min Wang, Qi Geng, Shuailin Chen, Xiaojun Lv, Xunlei Ding, Meicheng Li
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of aluminum ferrite (AFO) as a stable solar absorber in photoelectrochemical cells, showcasing its attractive performance. AFO thin-film photoelectrodes composed of vertically oriented nanosheets exhibit a photocurrent density of +0.78 mA.cm(-2) at 1.23 V vs. RHE, with a U-onset close to the flat band potential of 0.5 V vs. RHE in the presence of hole scavengers. AFO also exhibits rare coincidence between U-onset and flat band potential for solar water splitting, along with other favorable optoelectronic properties and carrier lifetimes, suggesting its great potential for photoelectrochemical cell applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
M. Shire Sudi, Long Zhao, Qi Wang, Yunqin Dou, Xiaoliang Shen, Aijian Wang, Weihua Zhu
Summary: This study successfully constructs composite catalysts BiVO4/MTPP by decorating semiconducting materials with sensitizers such as porphyrins with excellent light absorption ability. The performance of the catalysts in photoelectrochemical water splitting is investigated, and it is found that the type of metal ion in the porphyrin core plays a crucial role in the photoelectrochemical performance. The superior BiVO4/MTPP composite catalyst exhibits enhanced photocurrent density due to enhanced electron-hole pair production and slower recombination rate.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ameer Abdullah, Indrajit V. V. Bagal, Aadil Waseem, Mandar A. Kulkarni, Hamza Thaalbi, June Key Lee, Sang-Wan Ryu
Summary: The ternary sandwiched nanostructure of ZnS/Au NPs/GNW was fabricated and tested as a photoanode for photoelectrochemical water splitting, showing significantly improved performance attributed to the suppression of bulk and surface charge recombination by Au NPs and ZnS overlayer.
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wen Zhang, Meng Tian, Haimiao Jiao, Hai-Ying Jiang, Junwang Tang
Summary: In this work, a highly-matched BiVO4/WO3 nanobowl photoanode was constructed and further modified to enhance its photocurrent density and photoelectrochemical performance. The photocurrent density was increased by about 5-fold compared to pristine BiVO4, achieving a faradaic efficiency of approximately 95%.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yongle Zhao, Huichen Xie, Wenwen Shi, Hong Wang, Chenyi Shao, Can Li
Summary: In this study, it was found that surface passivation with AlOx layer significantly improved the photoelectrochemical performance of Ta3N5 photoanode for water oxidation compared to TiOx layer modification. Mechanism study revealed that the negative charges on AlOx layer promoted the separation of photogenerated charges, leading to enhanced hole extraction and transfer efficiency.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiwen Ma, Lihua Lin, Tsuyoshi Takata, Takashi Hisatomi, Kazunari Domen
Summary: Photocatalytic water splitting is widely studied for converting solar energy into hydrogen. It can be divided into one-step and two-step excitation processes. Recent advances in both types of systems have been made, but improving energy conversion efficiency and developing practical technologies are still important tasks.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kanta Kobayashi, Takashi Hisatomi, Huihui Li, Kazunari Domen
Summary: Activation of narrow bandgap photocatalysts is crucial for the efficient production of renewable hydrogen from water using sunlight. This study demonstrates the oxidative photodeposition of FeOx cocatalyst onto a Mg-doped BaTaO2N photocatalyst, which significantly enhances its oxygen evolution activity. The photodeposition procedure does not require heat treatment, providing new opportunities for designing oxygen evolution sites on narrow-bandgap non-oxide photocatalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yuriy Pihosh, Vikas Nandal, Ryota Shoji, Raman Bekarevich, Tomohiro Higashi, Valeria Nicolosi, Hiroyuki Matsuzaki, Kazuhiko Seki, Kazunari Domen
Summary: The development of high-performance solar-water-splitting technologies is limited by poor solar light absorption and charge separation. In this study, we overcome these challenges by developing photoanodes made from polycrystalline tantalum nitride nanorods (Ta3N5 NRs). Optimized morphology and crystalline properties of Ta3N5 NRs result in a significant increase in photocurrent for water oxidation activity. Factors such as charge carrier lifetime and diffusion length contribute to the enhanced performance. This research highlights the importance of designing narrow-energy band-gap photoanodes for efficient solar-water-splitting devices.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Swarnava Nandy, Takashi Hisatomi, Mamiko Nakabayashi, Huihui Li, Xiaojun Wang, Naoya Shibata, Tsuyoshi Takata, Kazunari Domen
Summary: A photocatalyst sheet consisting of doped La5Ti2Cu0.9Ag0.1O7S5 as a hydrogen evolution photocatalyst (HEP), BiVO4 as an oxygen evolution photocatalyst (OEP), and Au as a conductor layer exhibited a solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (STH) of 0.67% at 4 kPa in Z-scheme overall water splitting (ZOWS). The loss of activity of the photocatalyst sheet at elevated pressure can be suppressed by coating the sheet with an amorphous SiO2 layer. The SiO2 coating also maintained its performance at elevated temperatures and demonstrated an STH of 0.41% at 90 kPa and 333 K. The results of this study are important for functionalizing photocatalyst sheets and enable their use in outdoor environments, paving the way for practical solar hydrogen production.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beibei Zhang, Zeyu Fan, Yutao Chen, Chao Feng, Shulong Li, Yanbo Li
Summary: In this study, a core-shell nanoarray photoanode of NbNx-nanorod@Ta3N5 ultrathin layer was constructed to enhance light harvesting and charge transfer, resulting in improved solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency. An impressive photocurrent density of 7 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V-RHE was achieved with an ultrathin Ta3N5 shell thickness of less than 30 nm, along with excellent stability and a low onset potential of 0.46 V-RHE. The enhanced performance was attributed to the high-conductivity NbNx core, high-crystalline Ta3N5 mono-grain shell, and intimate Ta-N-Nb interface bonds, which accelerated the charge-separation capability of the core-shell photoanode.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tomohiro Higashi, Shinji Nishimae, Yasunobu Inoue, Yosuke Kageshima, Kazunari Domen
Summary: A study investigates the differences between active and inactive BTON particles for solar water splitting. The active BTON exhibits a more positive flat band potential and lower carrier concentration compared to the inactive BTON, resulting in higher photocurrent under visible light irradiation. The study also highlights the influence of CoOx co-catalyst electrocatalytic activity and electrolyte pH on the photoelectrochemical performance of BTON.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Taro Yamada, Hiroshi Nishiyama, Hiroki Akatsuka, Shinji Nishimae, Yoshiro Ishii, Takashi Hisatomi, Kazunari Domen
Summary: This article describes an experimental apparatus that generates methane gas from water and carbon dioxide through artificial photosynthesis. The apparatus was designed based on a previous solar hydrogen production mini-plant and successfully operated, producing photosynthetic methane. Different versions of the apparatus were tested by changing component sizes and purposes. The performances of various parts were illustrated, and technical issues related to scaling up the plant size were discussed.
ACS ENGINEERING AU
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaihong Chen, Jiadong Xiao, Takashi Hisatomi, Kazunari Domen
Summary: Solar-driven water splitting based on particulate semiconductor materials is studied as a technology for green hydrogen production. Transition-metal (oxy)nitride photocatalysts are promising materials for overall water splitting (OWS) via a one- or two-step excitation process because their band structure is suitable for water splitting under visible light. Yet, these materials suffer from low solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency (STH) due to various limitations such as high defect density, low charge separation and migration efficiency, sluggish surface redox reactions, and poor thermal stability. Strategies for improving photocatalytic activity and challenges for future development of transition-metal (oxy)nitride-based OWS systems are discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tomohiro Higashi, Hiroshi Nishiyama, Yuriy Pihosh, Kaisei Wakishima, Yudai Kawase, Yutaka Sasaki, Akira Nagaoka, Kenji Yoshino, Kazuhiro Takanabe, Kazunari Domen
Summary: The self-conductivity of tantalum nitride (Ta3N5) thin film-based semitransparent photoanodes can enhance the current in the photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (PEC OER) without a conducting substrate. By modifying the surface with NiFeOx-electrocatalyst, an optimized Ta3N5 thin film directly fabricated on a transparent insulating quartz substrate achieved a photocurrent density of about 5.9 ± 0.1 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode under simulated AM 1.5G solar illumination. The relationship between the PEC OER performance of NiFeOx-modified Ta3N5 photoanodes and the electrical properties of Ta3N5 thin films was investigated using Hall effect measurements.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dan Zhu, Chao Feng, Zeyu Fan, Beibei Zhang, Xin Luo, Yanbo Li
Summary: A promising approach combining renewable solar energy with abundant water and air has been developed for scalable and economically beneficial H2O2 production.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Xiaojian Zhang, Chao Feng, Zeyu Fan, Beibei Zhang, Yequan Xiao, Andraz Mavric, Nadiia Pastukhova, Matjaz Valant, Yi-Fan Han, Yanbo Li
Summary: By suppressing competitive reactions and precipitating alkaline-earth metal ions through an alkaline treatment of seawater, a self-healing catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has been demonstrated. The self-healing catalyst showed stable seawater oxidation under highly-alkaline conditions, paving the way for large-scale seawater electrolysis.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shinji Nishimae, Junie Jhon M. Vequizo, Yasunobu Inoue, Akira Yamakata, Mamiko Nakabayashi, Tomohiro Higashi, Kazunari Domen
Summary: Barium tantalum oxynitride (BaTaO2N) photocatalyst was synthesized through NH3-based nitridation of a mixture of BaCO3 and amorphous Ta2O5•3H2O. It exhibited high photocatalytic activity for overall water splitting under visible light up to a wavelength of 540 nm. Mild nitridation conditions resulted in high-performance specimens, while prolonged nitridation decreased the activity. The reactivity of amorphous Ta2O5•3H2O nanoparticles played an important role in the formation of active BaTaO2N.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Swarnava Nandy, Takashi Hisatomi, Tsuyoshi Takata, Tohru Setoyama, Kazunari Domen
Summary: Solar hydrogen production via photocatalytic water splitting is a promising solution for energy and environmental challenges. However, efficient and cost-effective systems are still needed. This perspective discusses recent advancements and challenges in the development of photocatalyst sheets for scalable and efficient production of renewable hydrogen.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yosuke Kageshima, Yusuke Ooka, Hiromu Kumagai, Fumiaki Takagi, Katsuya Teshima, Kazunari Domen, Hiromasa Nishikiori
Summary: A facile and scalable synthesis method was developed to produce Cu2SnxGe1-xS3 photocatalytic particles with uniform size distributions using a polymerized complex (PC) technique followed by sulphurization. The resulting CTGS particles exhibited superior photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance compared to those synthesized via the conventional solid-state reaction (SSR). The effects of the Sn/Ge ratio and Cu deficiency on the crystalline structure, optical properties, and PEC performance of the CTGS particles were investigated. Among the specimens, a Cu1.94Sn0.5Ge0.5S3 photocathode showed the highest hydrogen evolution performance under simulated sunlight.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Swarnava Nandy, Takashi Hisatomi, Tsuyoshi Takata, Tohru Setoyama, Kazunari Domen
Summary: Solar hydrogen production through photocatalytic water splitting is a promising solution for energy and environmental issues. Particulate photocatalyst sheets based on immobilized semiconductors can meet the requirements of scalability and water splitting activity. However, the current sheet systems have not yet achieved the desired solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency, calling for improvements in narrow-bandgap photocatalyst materials and activation methods suitable for practical operating conditions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)