Article
Environmental Sciences
Ajeet Kumar Singh, Rajan Walia, Madan Singh Chauhan, Ravi S. Singh, Vineet Kumar Singh
Summary: Through numerical simulation studies, it was found that interface defects have a significant impact on the performance of heterojunction solar cells, and increasing the bandgap of the absorber layer can improve the performance of the solar cells. Compared to n-TiO2/p-Cu2O heterojunction solar cells, n-TiO2/p-WS2 heterojunction solar cells showed an increase in performance of nearly 182%, and the performance was further enhanced by about 139% with the addition of a p-Cu2O hole transport layer. The best-simulated efficiency of the proposed hetero-structure solar cell was 28.86%.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jian Yang, Qiangke Wang, Xuefeng Luo, Chuang Han, Yujun Liang, Gui Yang, Xiaorui Zhang, Zikang Zeng, Guangzhao Wang
Summary: A p-n oriented heterostructure with S-O chemically bonded interface is fabricated, which enables the spatially separated photocarrier transfer and improves the photocatalytic activity for contaminant removal under visible-light irradiation.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunxian Zhang, Fangxiao Wang
Summary: A flower-like Ag6Si2O7/Bi12O17Cl2 p-n heterojunctions with potential was successfully prepared, which can capture light in a wider range of visible light and provide a directional channel for carrier to achieve more efficient space charge separation. The constructed Ag6Si2O7/Bi12O17Cl2 showed excellent photocatalytic removal of Rhodamine B within a short time, with a higher rate constant compared to Bi12O17Cl2 and Ag6Si2O7. Furthermore, the *OH radicals were found to play a leading role in the photocatalytic degradation, and a possible Z-scheme charge transfer paths and the formation of active species over Ag6Si2O7/Bi12O17Cl2 were proposed to elucidate the reaction mechanism.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jia Li, Jianfeng Zheng, Xingmin Liu, Yatao Yang, Xiaojin Han, Zhanggen Huang
Summary: Photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2 with H2O into syngas (H2/CO) is achieved using a SnO/g-C3N4 p-n junction catalyst with matched energy band. This catalyst exhibits enhanced light absorption performance and photogenerated charge separation efficiency. The recombination rate of charge is effectively inhibited by the design of p-n heterojunction. The study provides a new approach for the design of high-performance photoelectric catalyst and PEC CO2 reduction to valuable carbon-based compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongxue Yu, Lin Xu, Huizhu Zhang, Jia Li, Weie Wang, Libin Yang, Xin Jiang, Bing Zhao
Summary: In this study, CuO/TiO2 p-n heterojunction was developed as a new substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) to amplify the Raman signal of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) molecule. The heterojunction-molecule system exhibits enhanced SERS performance due to the electron injection from CuO to TiO2 and improved photogenerated carrier separation efficiency through interfacial coupling. The substrate demonstrates excellent SERS detection sensitivity towards 4-MBA with a low detection limit and high enhancement factor.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaojiao Yu, Huanhuan Chen, Qinggong Ji, Yangyang Chen, Yuchen Wei, Ningning Zhao, Binghua Yao
Summary: A two-step electrochemical deposition technique was used to fabricate p-Cu2O/n-ZnO heterojunction thin films, and the influence of deposition potential on sample properties was investigated. The p-Cu2O/n-ZnO heterojunction showed enhanced photocatalytic performance with high carrier concentration and improved catalytic efficiency. The photocatalytic degradation experiments revealed the roles of positive hole and superoxide anion radical in norfloxacin molecule decomposition.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junfeng Yang, Hanyu Yang, Yanhui Dong, Hao Cui, Hang Sun, Shengyan Yin
Summary: Binary Cu2O/MTiO3 (M = Ca, Sr and Ba) p-n heterojunction composites were successfully designed and prepared using hydrothermal method and NaBH4 reduction treatment. The Cu2O/CaTiO3 samples exhibited the highest H2 production rate and improved photoelectric chemical performance compared to pure CaTiO3, thanks to the construction of p-n heterojunction which enhanced the separation and migration rates of photogenerated carrier pairs.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Zhen Li, Shan Ye, Ping Qiu, Xiaoyuan Liao, Yue Yao, Jingzhao Zhang, Yan Jiang, Shuxiang Lu
Summary: Designing a photocatalyst with an S-scheme heterojunction structure, such as alpha-Fe2O3/Cu2O, can significantly enhance the photocatalytic ability and reactivity of the system. This work provides new insights into the design of photocatalysts with a more reasonable structure and higher performance.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhaobo Fan, Xiaojie Zhang, Youji Li, Xin Guo, Zhiliang Jin
Summary: The hydrogen evolution of inorganic photocatalysts is a hot research topic. By constructing p-n type heterojunctions, an internal electric field is formed to prevent charge diffusion and promote the migration of photocarriers. The two-dimensional thin sheet structure of flower cluster NiCo-LDH prevents the agglomeration of Cu2O. The composite catalyst shows significantly increased efficiency in hydrogen evolution under specific conditions, providing an innovative strategy for photocatalytic hydrogen production.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emine Guneri, Fatma Gode, Mehmet Ari, Buket Saatci
Summary: This study focused on the design of heterojunctions using p-Cu2O and n-CdS thin films, investigating the effect of Cu2O thin films on the properties of the heterojunction. Structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties were examined using various analytical techniques to understand the characteristics of the heterojunction.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Congyang Mao, Weidong Zhu, Yiming Xiang, Yizhou Zhu, Jie Shen, Xiangmei Liu, Shuilin Wu, Kenneth M. C. Cheung, Kelvin Wai Kwok Yeung
Summary: This article introduces an antibiotic-free antibacterial nanofilm designed on the surface of titanium implants, which significantly enhances the photocatalytic eradication of MRSA biofilms by establishing a P-N heterojunction and internal electric field at the heterointerface. Additionally, the heterostructure offers hyperthermia effects to aid in biofilm eradication, while also providing a superior biocompatible and osteoconductive platform for implant-to-bone osseointegration.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaowan Gong, Jianhong Ye, Yiqiao Wang, Shuping Su, Shaobo Chen, Yu Xie, Zheyuan Fan, Yun Ling, Jinsheng Zhao
Summary: Forming CN/Cu2O composite photocatalysts by growing Cu2O in situ on C3N4 can enhance the photocatalytic performance of carbon nitride, with significantly improved efficiency of photocatalysis.
APPLIED CATALYSIS A-GENERAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Taeseong Kim, Younghwan Im, Sujeong Kim, Myeong Seok Goh, Hojun Moon, Sun-Min Park, Misook Kang
Summary: This study investigates the effects of changes in charge transport and photo-quantity on photocatalytic water splitting using a new ternary heterojunction n-WO3/p-WS2/Au. The results show that the ternary heterojunction particles exhibit improved photochemical properties and can generate more hydrogen compared to single particles. The loaded Au acts as an electron trapper, expanding the reduction reaction sites and enhancing hydrogen generation.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zirui Hu, Ruoyu Wang, Changcun Han, Ruolin Chen
Summary: The PEC water splitting efficiency of semiconductor photoelectrodes, specifically ZnIn2S4, can be enhanced by constructing a ZnIn2S4-Cu2O heterojunction and adding a NiFeOOH layer on the surface. The resulting ZnIn2S4/Cu2O/NiFeOOH/Ag photoelectrode exhibits a significantly enhanced photocurrent density, reaching 1.22 mA/cm(2) at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (VRHE), which is 9.4 times higher than pure ZnIn2S4. This study presents a promising concept for designing efficient photoelectrodes in PEC water splitting.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Gang Liu, Ya Wang, Yuhang Sun, Jiaxing He
Summary: Cu2O nanoparticles were anchored on the Bi4O5Br2 hollow nanocubes for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light. The p-n junction between Bi4O5Br2 and Cu2O in the composite facilitated effective charge separation, leading to significantly improved performance compared to bare Bi4O5Br2 and Cu2O photocatalysts. The superoxide radical was identified as the crucial active species in the degradation process of RhB.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Duanduan Liu, Yandong Yang, Heng Zhu, Depei Liu, Shicheng Yan, Zhigang Zou
Summary: The study achieved a strategy utilizing heat-electricity-sensitive interconversion to lower the barrier energies of water oxidation, allowing for consecutive water splitting reaction with low overpotential and cell voltage.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lei Lu, Xiaopeng Zhu, Shaomang Wang, Taozhu Li, Shicheng Yan, Zhigang Zou
Summary: This article demonstrates the crucial role of surface-active sites in governing the selectivity of photoelectrons for CO2 reduction products on SrTiO3 photocatalyst models. The presence of specific configurations on different facets results in varying photoelectron distributions and surface charge densities, affecting the efficiency of photocatalytic reactions. Understanding the impact of surface characteristics on the catalytic process can provide valuable insights for designing highly efficient photocatalysts for selective CO2 reduction.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mengfei Lu, Shaoxi Kong, Shicheng Yan, Peng Zhou, Tao Yu, Zhigang Zou
Summary: This study demonstrates that constructing Ni3Fe1-xVx/Ni3Fe1-xVxN heterojunctions can optimize the oxygen evolution reaction performance of antiperovskite nitrides, showcasing the coupling of variable-valence metal doping and nanoalloy/nitride heterointerfaces. The electron transfer kinetics during OER are efficiently accelerated by variable-valence V3+/4+ electron acceptor at the core@shell interface and the heterojunction effect in the Ni3Fe1-xVx/Ni3Fe1-xVxN core, leading to low overpotentials for water splitting and a low cell voltage in alkaline electrolyte.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Depei Liu, Yuandong Yan, Hu Li, Duanduan Liu, Yandong Yang, Taozhu Li, Yu Du, Shicheng Yan, Tao Yu, Wei Zhou, Peixin Cui, Zhigang Zou
Summary: This study presents a template editing strategy to address the issue of overpotentials and unstable active sites in oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts. By grafting highly active catalytic species onto highly conductive rigid frameworks, the strategy achieves efficient and durable OER activity. The results demonstrate the possibility of stable homogeneous-like catalysis in heterogeneous catalysis.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Lei Lu, Yu Cheng, Zhiping Liang, Shicheng Yan, Guanjun Qiao, Zhigang Zou
Summary: A multifunctional Au/hydroxide interface was proposed to enhance the C-C coupling in CO2 photoreduction, leading to improved production of high-grade C2+ products.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu Du, Shicheng Yan, Zhigang Zou
Summary: Electron-hole separation is a major challenge in photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen fuel production. Surface polaron states near the conduction band can efficiently separate and transfer photogenerated electrons. We discovered that heating (<100 degrees C) can enhance charge separation via surface polaron states by increasing electron mobility. The saturated photocurrent increased by approximately 34.5% under 1 sun and 18.3% under 10 suns due to the heat-induced increase in electron flux of surface polaron states. This heat-sensitive surface-state electron transfer provides a new mechanism for heat-photoelectricity coupling and guides the design of efficient photoanodes for complementary multienergy systems.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuandong Yan, Ji Yu, Yu Du, Shicheng Yan, Min Gu, Wei Zhou, Zhigang Zou
Summary: High-energy-density fuels produced from carbon dioxide reduction are an excellent way to store intermittent renewable energy. Lewis pairs have shown great potential for activating small molecules. However, the challenge lies in creating stable electrochemically active Lewis pairs on electrodes. In this study, a strategy of protonating the surface oxidation layer of oxytropic alloys was proposed to create stable Lewis pairs. This concept of stable Lewis pairs has shown promise for selective electrochemical reduction.
CELL REPORTS PHYSICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lang Pei, Xusheng Wang, Heng Zhu, He Yu, Sateesh Bandaru, Shicheng Yan, Zhigang Zou
Summary: Photothermal catalysis is a promising method for converting CO2 into fuels, but developing efficient photothermal catalysts remains challenging. In this study, a composite structure composed of NiOx and Ta3N5 was fabricated, and the photothermal effect and interfacial chemical bonds were modulated to achieve efficient CO2 reduction.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yechao Ling, Xiao Yu, Shijun Yuan, Anpeng He, Zhida Han, Jun Du, Qi Fan, Shicheng Yan, Qingyu Xu
Summary: Freestanding thin films of functional materials can have their properties tuned via strain and strain gradients, expanding their range of applications. In this study, a systematic approach was used to fabricate freestanding CrMnFeCoNi high-entropy alloy thin films and it was found that the strain gradients in these films can induce structural phase transitions and changes in magnetic properties.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yuan Guan, Xinyi Gu, Qiankun Deng, Shaomang Wang, Zhongyu Li, Shicheng Yan, Zhigang Zou
Summary: A novel photoanode of CoS/Mo-BiVO4 with excellent photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance was developed. The photocurrent density achieved by the CoS/Mo-BiVO4 photoanode was significantly higher than that of BiVO4, and the photoanode exhibited good stability. Mo doping in BiVO4 and CoS deposition on the surface of Mo-BiVO4 enhanced carrier separation, improved light absorption and charge injection efficiency of the photoanode.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qiongdie Du, Yuan Guan, Qiankun Deng, Shaomang Wang, Zhongyu Li, Huan He, Shicheng Yan
Summary: In this study, an a-Fe2O3 photoanode with Mg doping and cobalt-hydroxyl-phosphate (CoPi) coating was prepared and showed significantly improved activity of photoelectrochemical water splitting compared to pure a-Fe2O3. The CoPi/Mg-Fe2O3 photoanode exhibited a photocurrent density of 1.30 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V vs RHE, which was 3.51 times higher than that of a-Fe2O3 (0.39 mA cm(-2)). Moreover, the CoPi/Mg-Fe2O3 photoanode demonstrated good stability, maintaining its photocurrent density after 24 hours of light irradiation. The enhanced performances of photochemical water splitting were attributed to the increased efficiencies of bulk charge separation and surface charge injection through Mg doping and CoPi coating.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Hu Li, Yuandong Yan, Shicheng Yan, Zhentao Yu, Zhigang Zou
Summary: By assembling a core-shell In@InOxHy architecture on carbon black, a CO2-to-formate catalyst with high selectivity was prepared. The stable CO2-to-formate reaction is attributed to the presence of steritic frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) on the InOxHy shell, which can capture and activate CO2 selectively to produce formate.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Weining Zhang, Yuandong Yan, Jing Wang, Zhenhua Yang, Taozhu Li, Hu Li, Shicheng Yan, Tao Yu, Weiliu Fan, Zhigang Zou
Summary: In this study, ZnSn(OH)(6) and SrSn(OH)(6) were used as catalysts to investigate the effects of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) on electrochemical CO2 reduction. The higher formate selectivity of ZnSn(OH)(6) can be attributed to the strong ability of FLPs to capture protons and activate CO2 through the electrostatic field, leading to improved electron transfer and strong orbital interactions. These findings provide guidance for the design of electrocatalysts with high catalytic performances for CO2 reduction.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuandong Yan, Ruyi Wang, Qian Zheng, Jiaying Zhong, Weichang Hao, Shicheng Yan, Zhigang Zou
Summary: A good understanding of the mechanism behind organic electrooxidation is crucial for the development of efficient energy conversion technology. In this study, the authors find that trivalent nickel is capable of oxidizing organics through a nucleophilic attack and electron transfer via a non-redox process, exhibiting exceptional kinetic efficiency.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lang Pei, Xusheng Wang, Heng Zhu, He Yu, Sateesh Bandaru, Shicheng Yan, Zhigang Zou
Summary: This study develops an efficient photothermal catalyst for converting CO2 into fuels by manipulating the photothermal effect and interfacial chemical bonds. The synergistic effects of photothermal and interfacial charge transfer enhance the catalytic performance, resulting in high activity and selectivity for CO2 conversion.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
