Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhuojian Li, Ali Imran Channa, Zhiming M. Wang, Xin Tong
Summary: A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell using semiconductor photoelectrode shows great potential in converting solar energy into hydrogen. However, the use of heavy metal quantum dots (QDs) in current PEC systems poses risks to human health and the environment. This review discusses recent advances in solar-driven PEC devices based on environmentally friendly QDs, and suggests future research directions to tackle the challenges related to synthesis, charge kinetics, and operational stability/efficiency of advanced eco-friendly QDs-PEC systems.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jiabin Liu, Shuai Yue, Hui Zhang, Chao Wang, David Barba, Francois Vidal, Shuhui Sun, Zhiming M. M. Wang, Jiming Bao, Haiguang Zhao, Gurpreet Singh Selopal, Federico Rosei
Summary: In this study, giant InP/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots (QDs) with tunable ZnSe shell thickness were synthesized to investigate the effect of the shell thickness on the optoelectronic properties and photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. The results showed that the growth of ZnSe shell facilitated the delocalization of electrons and holes into the shell region and acted as a passivation layer to protect the surface of InP QDs while extracting photoexcited electrons and holes. Therefore, engineering the ZnSe shell thickness is crucial for tuning the optoelectronic properties of giant InP/ZnSe core/shell QDs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Omar Abdelkarim, Amir Mirzaei, Gurpreet S. Selopal, Aycan Yurtsever, Ghada Bassioni, Zhiming M. Wang, Mohamed Chaker, Federico Rosei
Summary: Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising method for converting solar radiation into clean fuel. The performance of the device depends on the light harvesting efficiency of the photoanode and the carrier dynamics at the interface. In this study, a photoanode architecture consisting of TiO2 nanotubes sensitized by CdS/CdSe quantum dots and treated with a Cu-based solution was developed, resulting in significantly improved photocurrent density and carrier dynamics. The findings provide a simple and scalable method for enhancing the performance of PEC and other optoelectronic devices.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhihang Long, Xin Tong, Cheng Liu, Ali Imran Channa, Rui Wang, Xin Li, Feng Lin, Alberto Vomiero, Zhiming M. Wang
Summary: Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) show promise for efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion but face challenges due to toxic elements. A device using eco-friendly QDs and TiO2/GO film demonstrates outstanding performance, offering a pathway for low-cost and high-efficiency solar-to-hydrogen conversion systems.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wenbing Cai, Yinjuan Ren, Zhigao Huang, Qi Sun, Hanchen Shen, Yue Wang
Summary: Different emission origins of ZnSeTe quantum dots were identified through multiple spectroscopic characterizations and calculations. The emission in the case of dilute Te incorporation is attributed to localized states induced by Te clusters, while it disappears with high Te contents.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhihang Long, Xin Tong, Rui Wang, Ali Imran Channa, Xin Li, Yimin You, Li Xia, Mengke Cai, Hongyang Zhao, Zhiming M. Wang
Summary: In this study, environmentally friendly AISe/ZnSe core/shell QDs were successfully synthesized and it was demonstrated that adjusting the shell thickness can improve the performance of the photoelectrochemical device, suggesting their potential application in solar energy conversion.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hongyang Zhao, Xin Li, Mengke Cai, Cheng Liu, Yimin You, Rui Wang, Ali Imran Channa, Feng Lin, Da Huo, Guofeng Xu, Xin Tong, Zhiming M. Wang
Summary: A controllable Cu shell doping approach has been reported to enhance the optoelectronic properties of InP/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots for high performance and stable solar energy conversion. The Cu-doped core/shell QDs exhibit improved photo-induced electron transfer rate and enhanced photocurrent density and long-term durability. The results suggest that Cu doping in the shell has a significant impact on the optoelectronic properties of the core/shell QDs, potentially opening up new avenues for customized eco-friendly QDs for efficient solar energy conversion.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ashi Ikram, Mohammad Zulfequar, Vibha R. Satsangi
Summary: This article reviews the application of green quantum dots (QDs) in photoelectrodes, analyzing their optical, electrical, and photoelectrochemical properties, as well as their success in hydrogen production systems. The synthesis techniques of green QDs and the challenges of their use are also discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ruiqi Guo, Jie Meng, Weihua Lin, Aqiang Liu, Tonu Pullerits, Kaibo Zheng, Jianjun Tian
Summary: Doping transition metal manganese ions (Mn2+) into CuInSe2 (CISe) quantum dots improves crystal quality, extends charge carrier lifetime, and results in photodetectors with high responsivity and detection performance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi Tao, Zikun Tang, Dequan Bao, Haiguang Zhao, Zhenqiu Gao, Mingfa Peng, Hao Zhang, Kanghong Wang, Xuhui Sun
Summary: A facile strategy of tuning the surface stoichiometry of heterostructured quantum dots (QDs) is reported to regulate the recombination and transfer of interfacial charges, which greatly improves the photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation. The research demonstrates that PEC cells based on CdSe-(SexS1-x)(4)-(CdS)(2) core/shell QDs with a proper S-surface/Cd-surface ratio exhibit significantly enhanced photocurrent density. This work presents a simple surface engineering strategy for improving the performance of QDs PEC cells and provides an efficient method to guide the surface design of QDs for other optoelectronic devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaohan Wang, Maorong Wang, Guiju Liu, Yuanming Zhang, Guangting Han, Alberto Vomiero, Haiguang Zhao
Summary: This study demonstrated a highly efficient and stable ecofriendly PEC device using C-dots sensitized TiO2 photoanode, Pt loaded on carbon nanofibers as counter electrode, and glucose aqueous solution as electrolyte. The C-dots showed excellent optical properties and structure, interacting strongly with TiO2 to form a stable complex. The PEC devices based on C-dots exhibited a saturated photocurrent density as high as about 4 mA/cm(2) at 0.6 V vs. RHE, and maintained 95% of their initial value after 10-hour illumination at 100 mW/cm(2).
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Omar Abdelkarim, Gurpreet S. Selopal, Karthik Suresh, Fabiola Navarro-Pardo, Pawan Kumar, Kulbir K. Ghuman, Aycan Yurtsever, Ghada Bassioni, Zhiming M. Wang, Federico Rosei
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of a TiO2 hybrid structure with nanorods and nanoparticles, treated with hydrazine to enhance photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation. The optimized hybrid photoanode, sensitized with Quantum dots, achieved significantly higher photocurrent density. Further treatment with hydrazine led to additional enhancements, demonstrating a promising strategy for fabricating efficient and stable PEC water splitting devices for H-2 generation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Jin, Jiabin Liu, Xin Liu, Daniele Benetti, Gurpreet Singh Selopal, Xin Tong, Ehsan Hamzehpoor, Faying Li, Dmytro F. Perepichka, Zhiming M. Wang, Federico Rosei
Summary: Thick-shell colloidal quantum dots (QDs) with size/composition/shape-tunable properties are promising for solar technologies. However, the commonly used toxic metal elements and wide bandgap of the shell limit their performance. This study develops eco-friendly AgInSe2/AgInS2 core/shell QDs, which are optically active in the NIR region and suitable for solar energy conversion. By using a template-assisted cation exchange method, gradient AgInSeS shell layers are incorporated, resulting in improved charge transfer and higher current density in the photoelectrochemical cells.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hwapyong Kim, Ayeong Choe, Seung Beom Ha, Ghulam Mustafa Narejo, Sung Wook Koo, Ji Su Han, Wookjin Chung, Jae-Yup Kim, Jiwoong Yang, Su-Il In
Summary: This review mainly discusses the application of quantum dot-sensitized semiconductors in photoelectrochemical hydrogen production, focusing on the advancements in improving long-term stability through the use of cocatalysts and passivation layers. The working principle of PEC cells, important configurations, and equations for assessing PEC performance are also reviewed.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ziqiang Sun, Hongchao Yang, Zhiwei Ma, Ziyan Zhang, Liangri Han, Zhixuan Wang, Yejun Zhang, Xingyu Wang, Qiangbin Wang
Summary: In this study, silver-gold-selenide quantum dots (AgAuSe QDs) with well-treated defect states were used to construct environment-friendly QD solar cells. The energy-level alignment of the device was modulated by introducing a layer of Au nanoparticles (NPs), which significantly improved the device performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yazhou Zhang, Shichao Zong, Cheng Cheng, Jinwen Shi, Penghui Guo, Xiangjiu Guan, Bing Luo, Shaohua Shen, Liejin Guo
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bing Luo, Rui Song, Jiafeng Geng, Dengwei Jing, Yazhou Zhang
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bing Luo, Rui Song, Jiafeng Geng, Dengwei Jing, Zhenxiong Huang
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bing Luo, Rui Song, Jiafeng Geng, Xiaohe Liu, Dengwei Jing, Menglong Wang, Cheng Cheng
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bing Luo, Rui Song, Zilong Zeng, Dengwei Jing
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rui Song, Maochang Liu, Bing Luo, Jiafeng Geng, Dengwei Jing
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lijing Ma, Bing Luo, Jiafeng Geng, Zhesong Huang, Liejin Guo
Summary: Graphene@TiO2 nanomaterials were prepared for photothermocatalytic H2 production, with significantly increased H2 evolution rate at elevated temperatures, attributed to enhanced diffusion rate and absorption of photon energy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Dengwei Jing, Bing Luo, Huan Liu, Liejin Guo
Summary: The study established a setup to accurately measure the number of incident photons received by a photo-vessel and directly absorbed by photocatalysts, enabling simultaneous determination of QY and AQY. It was found that AQY was significantly smaller than QY, indicating that the true photocatalytic performance of the photocatalyst may have been underestimated in previous studies. This work is valuable for accurate evaluation of catalytic efficiency of a photocatalyst and contributes to the rapid development of the technology.
MEASUREMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Bing Luo, Yuxin Zhao, Dengwei Jing
Summary: Converting solar energy into hydrogen through photocatalytic water splitting is a promising approach to address energy demand and environmental issues. Developing efficient photocatalysts, such as graphitic carbon nitride, is crucial for improving energy conversion efficiency.
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinghua Li, Lunqiao Xiong, Bing Luo, Dengwei Jing, Jiamei Cao, Junwang Tang
Summary: A novel hybrid photocatalyst composed of NCS and CN has been prepared, showing efficient photocatalytic performance by promoting photoelectron transfer through a special coupling interface, which significantly improves the photocatalytic efficiency.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Heng Guo, Jiabin Liu, Bing Luo, Xu Huang, Jian Yang, Haiyuan Chen, Li Shi, Xin Liu, Daniele Benetti, Ying Zhou, Gurpreet Singh Selopal, Federico Rosei, Zhiming Wang, Xiaobin Niu
Summary: The researchers have designed and synthesized Cu-doped AgIn5S8 (Cu-AIS) QDs, which contain Cu T-2 state sites between the Ag 4d and S 3p orbitals, adjustable bandgaps, and slowed photogenerated charge recombination compared to pristine AIS QDs.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Heng Guo, Bing Luo, Jing Wang, Bojun Wang, Xu Huang, Jian Yang, Wenxiao Gong, Ying Zhou, Xiaobin Niu
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiao-He Liu, Yun-Xiao Yin, Fan Du, Ji-Rui Bai, Bing Luo, Cheng Cheng, Qing-Yun Chen, Chi He
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xin Liu, Bing Luo, Jiabin Liu, Dengwei Jing, Daniele Benetti, Federico Rosei
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sirinya Ukasi, Paritta Jutapukti, Chiranicha Ninthub, Nattapong Pinpru, Phakkhananan Pakawanit, Wanwilai Vittayakorn, Satana Pongampai, Naratip Vittayakorn, Thitirat Charoonsuk
Summary: This study explores the enhancement of electrical output of flexible hybrid piezoelectric-triboelectric nanogenerators by incorporating gamma-glycine into fully organic composites. The research demonstrates the importance of optimized concentrations of gamma-glycine and chitosan in achieving superior performance. The study identifies the critical content of gamma-glycine that leads to the highest output signal, and provides theoretical explanations for this observation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yoonsang Ra, Yu-seop Kim, Seonmo Yang, Namgyu Kang, Gyuwon Oh, Chungyeon Cho, Sangmin Lee, Dongwhi Choi
Summary: In this study, a portable energy harvester (STEP) was proposed to drive various functional LEDs using biomechanical energy. The roles and functionalities of a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG) in the hybrid energy harvester were experimentally demonstrated, and the necessity of hybridization for LED-involved devices was described. The STEP showed promising potential as an effective energy supply strategy for various functional LEDs in related industries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dae Sol Kong, Kyung Hoon Kim, Ying Chieh Hu, Jong Hun Kim, Inseo Kim, Jeongwan Lee, Joonhyuk Lee, Won Hyuk Shon, Hanjin Yoo, Chul-Un Ro, Seungsu Lee, Hyoungjeen Jeen, Minbaek Lee, Minseok Choi, Jong Hoon Jung
Summary: With the rapid development of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, smart home has emerged to fulfill the security, convenience, and energy-saving issues of modern life. A flexoelectric mica crystal is used to augment the finger touch-driven triboelectric output for operating a wireless and multichannel smart home controller. This work provides important ingredients for enhancing triboelectric output and realizing a convenient, multifunctional, cost-effective, and adaptable smart home control system without batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yi Han, Fang Wu, Xiaozhen Du, Zihao Li, Haixiang Chen, Dongxing Guo, Junlei Wang, Hong Yu
Summary: This paper presents a novel type of triboelectric nanogenerator that utilizes wind energy, with a Y-type bluff body to enhance vibration and output power. The application of this generator successfully provides power for a wireless temperature and humidity sensor.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wen Zhang, Fangyuan Cheng, Miao Chang, Yue Xu, Yuyu Li, Shixiong Sun, Liang Wang, Leimin Xu, Qing Li, Chun Fang, Meng Wang, Yuhao Lu, Jiantao Han, Yunhui Huang
Summary: This study successfully induced the formation of a uniform and robust CEI by constructing ZrO2 nano-rivets on the surface of LCO, stabilizing the surface of high-voltage LCO and facilitating lithium-ion diffusion.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Karl P. Olson, Laurence D. Marks
Summary: This paper investigates the role of contacting shapes in triboelectricity and provides scaling rules for designing energy harvesting devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jong-An Choi, Jingu Jeong, Mingyu Kang, Hee-Jin Ko, Taehoon Kim, Keun Park, Jongbaeg Kim, Soonjae Pyo
Summary: Wind-driven triboelectric nanogenerators (WTENGs) are a promising emerging technology for sustainable wind energy harvesting, offering high output performance, lightweight design, and compact dimensions. This study introduces an innovative WTENG design that leverages a rolling-based mechanism to achieve efficient omnidirectional wind energy harvesting.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liwei Dong, Qian Tang, Chaoyang Zhao, Guobiao Hu, Shuai Qu, Zicheng Liu, Yaowen Yang
Summary: This paper proposes a novel hybrid scheme for flag-type nanogenerators (FNGs) that enhances their performance and broadens their operational wind speed ranges by harnessing the synergistic potential of two aerodynamic behaviors. The proposed flag-type triboelectric-piezoelectric hybrid nanogenerator (FTPNG) integrates flapping piezoelectric flags (PEFs) and a fluttering triboelectric flag (TEF). The FTPNG achieves significant power generation and a broad wind speed range, surpassing other FNGs, making it suitable for various self-powered systems and Internet of Things applications.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yunmeng Li, Xin Liu, Zewei Ren, Jianjun Luo, Chi Zhang, Changyong (Chase) Cao, Hua Yuan, Yaokun Pang
Summary: The demand for green and eco-friendly materials is growing due to increasing environmental concerns related to traditional petroleum-based products. Marine biomaterials have emerged as a promising alternative, thanks to their abundant availability, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity. In this review, we discuss the development and applications of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) based on marine biomaterials. The operational modes, foundational principles, intrinsic qualities, and advantages of marine biomaterials commonly used in TENG designs are highlighted. Approaches to enhance the efficacy of TENGs derived from marine biomaterials are also discussed, along with documented applications from existing literature. Furthermore, the existing challenges and future directions in marine biomaterial-inspired TENGs are explored.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matthew P. Wells, Adam J. Lovett, Yizhi Zhang, Zhongxia Shang, Kosova Kreka, Babak Bakhit, Haiyan Wang, Albert Tarancon, Judith L. MacManus-Driscoll
Summary: Reversible solid oxide cells (rSOCs) offer a promising solution to efficient energy conversion, but have been limited in portable power and electrolysis applications due to excessive polarisation resistance of the oxygen electrode at low temperatures. This study demonstrates the growth of symmetric and complete rSOC structures with reduced polarisation resistance by tuning oxygen vacancy through annealing, providing a promising route towards high-performance rSOC devices for portable power applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kangkang Bao, Minghui Wang, Yue Zheng, Panpan Wang, Liwen Yang, Yang Jin, Hui Wu, Bin Sun
Summary: This study utilizes ethanol as an electrolyte additive to modulate the migration of zinc ions and the surface structure of zinc anodes, resulting in improved capacity retention and cycle life of zinc-based aqueous batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haichao Yang, Wensi Cai, Ming Wang, Saif M. H. Qaid, Zhiyuan Xu, Huaxin Wang
Summary: The introduction of sodium alginate (SA) into perovskite solar cells improves the carrier dynamics, stability, and performance by inhibiting nonradiative recombination and retarded charge dynamics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cuirong Zhang, Mingyuan Wei, Zihan Chen, Wansheng Lin, Shifan Yu, Yijing Xu, Chao Wei, Jinwei Zhang, Ziquan Guo, Yuanjin Zheng, Qingliang Liao, Xinqin Liao, Zhong Chen
Summary: Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) aims to establish smart and informative interactions between humans and devices. However, common pixelated sensing arrays in AIoT applications present problems such as hard and brittle devices, complex structures, and low precision. This article introduces an innovative solution called the all-in-one intelligent semitransparent interactive nerve patch (AISI nerve patch), which integrates sensing, recognition, and transmission functionalities into a thin and flexible patch. The AISI nerve patch is semitransparent, allowing for accurate identification without affecting aesthetics, and it can be attached to any curved surface for intelligent and interactive applications. With rapid response time and high precision recognition, it enables the integration of artificial intelligence and achieves high recognition accuracy for further development of AIoT.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Youcun Bai, Heng Zhang, Huijun Song, Chong Zhu, Lijin Yan, Qin Hu, Chang Ming Li
Summary: A novel stainless-steel supported lattice-mismatched V-S-Se layered compound with high selenium vacancy was synthesized by adjusting the molar ratio of sulfur to selenium. The introduction of selenium vacancies created additional redox peaks of sulfur, providing more mass transport channels and active sites for zinc ions. The specific capacity and cycle stability of the electrode were significantly improved, demonstrating great potential for practical applications and providing insights into the effects of defects on battery performance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yao Xiao, Puxian Xiong, Yakun Le, Zhenjie Lun, Kang Chen, Zhiduo Wang, Peishan Shao, Zhicong Chen, Dongdan Chen, Zhongmin Yang
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a material with multi-stimulus-responsive luminescence and confirmed the internal relationship between luminescence and defects by regulating the distribution and depth of defects. The dynamic process of multi-stimulus-responsive luminescence was validated by experimental and calculation results.
