Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xianlong Wang, Yan Zhang, Shengjue Deng, Shiwei Lin
Summary: A modified BiVO4 photoanode (B-BVO/CoPi) was developed by soaking and electrodeposition process, which effectively prevented charge recombination and enhanced the activity for oxygen evolution reaction, achieving higher current density and onset potential compared to pristine BiVO4.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muhammad Ashraf, Ibrahim Khan, Nadeem Baig, Abdulmajeed H. Hendi, Muhammad Fahad Ehsan, Nafeesa Sarfraz
Summary: The research focuses on investigating novel materials with controlled morphology for solar-driven conversions, leading to the synthesis of a novel trimetallic CZVO hybrid with unique bifunctional, non-sacrificial photoresponse. The XPS analysis confirmed the Type-(I) heterojunction formation between CVO and ZVO in CZVO, contributing to the significant improvement in performance. Optimization of CZVO-opt demonstrated the highest photodegradation and photocurrent density, attributed to the firm contact and uniform distribution of ZVO NPs over CVO interlayered nanosheets with suppresses charge recombination.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kaige Tian, Lan Wu, Bin Yang, Huan Chai, Lili Gao, Meng Wang, Jun Jin
Summary: In this study, a new LMNCO-Nd-BiVO4 photoanode was prepared using neodymium (Nd) as a dopant and loaded with lithium-rich manganese material Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2 (LMNCO) as a co-catalyst, exhibiting excellent photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation performance and high stability. The photocurrent density reached 2.7 mA cm-2 at 1.23 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), which was 2.8 times higher than bare BiVO4. Nd doping increased carrier concentration and reduced impedance, while the LMNCO co-catalyst played a role in hole extraction and cobalt acted as the active site. The synergistic effect of nickel and cobalt improved the PEC water oxidation performance and stability of BiVO4 photoanode. This study also introduced the application of lithium materials in PEC water oxidation, providing new insights for future design of BiVO4 photoanodes.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Abdul Zeeshan Khan, Ibrahim Khan, Ali Sufyan, Dalaver Anjum, Ahsanulhaq Qurashi
Summary: Hydrogen treatment activates non-photoactive nickel vanadate towards photoelectrochemical water oxidation, showing significant absorption in the visible regime and achieving an indirect bandgap value of 2.15 eV. The hydrogen-treated H-NV-500 photoanode exhibits an onset potential at around 0.74 V and a photocurrent density at saturation of about 2.13 mu A/cm(2).
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mu-Han Zhou, Jia-Ying Lin, Wei-Ping Zhang, Jing-Xin Jian, Fentahun Wondu Dagnaw, Tieyu Wang, Qing-Xiao Tong
Summary: Three copper complexes were studied as oxygen evolution catalysts, and two of them exhibited high water oxidation activity. In a photovoltaic electrolysis system, the copper complexes achieved efficient solar water splitting for hydrogen production. This work is significant for simulating the catalytic water oxidation process of natural enzymes and developing artificial photosynthesis systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kexin Ren, Jiayi Zhou, Zihao Wu, Qi Sun, Limin Qi
Summary: In this study, a unique BiVO4(BVO)/BiOCl nanobowl photoanode with dual heterojunctions was fabricated, which effectively enhanced light absorption and reduced carrier diffusion path. The dual heterojunctions facilitated electron transfer and bulk charge separation, resulting in a remarkable photocurrent density and excellent bulk charge separation efficiency. This work highlights the potential of integrating dual heterojunctions and morphology engineering in high-performance photoelectrodes for efficient solar conversion.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Laura Montanes, Camilo A. Mesa, Ana Gutierrez-Blanco, Christian Robles, Beatriz Julian-Lopez, Sixto Gimenez
Summary: A simple synthesis method was developed to prepare nanostructured BiVO4 photoanodes, which showed competitive photocurrent performance in water oxidation experiments, providing a new material option for the design of efficient photoelectrochemical devices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shengnan Li, Linxing Meng, Wei Tian, Liang Li
Summary: This study demonstrates that the introduction of interfacial In-O-Sn chemical bonds can regulate the energy band bending of heterojunction photoelectrodes, reducing the overpotential of the oxygen evolution reaction and improving the photocurrent and onset potential. It provides a new solution for improving the performance of heterojunction photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sergio Navalon, Amarajothi Dhakshinamoorthy, Mercedes Alvaro, Belen Ferrer, Hermenegildo Garcia
Summary: This review summarizes the application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as photocatalysts to overcome efficiency limitations in overall water splitting. It provides an introduction to the principles of solar-driven photocatalytic overall water splitting and discusses different strategies for adapting MOFs for this purpose. The review also critically comments on the most active MOFs reported for solar-driven hydrogen evolution and oxygen evolution reactions, and discusses the requirements for large-scale use of MOFs in solar-driven overall water splitting. Finally, it provides a summary of the current state of the field and comments on future prospects for commercial application of MOFs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mikk Lippmaa, Seiji Kawasaki, Ryota Takahashi, Takahisa Yamamoto
Summary: Spontaneous noble metal dopant segregation in an oxide lattice can lead to the formation of metallic clusters and extended acicular inclusions. In a thin-film process, the shape and orientation of such noble metal inclusions are governed by the crystal growth direction, resulting in a composite material with lattice-matched metal nanopillars embedded vertically in an insulating or semiconducting oxide matrix. These vertically aligned metal-oxide nanopillar composites have interesting applications in photoelectrochemical water-splitting cells for direct solar-powered hydrogen generation, where the metallic nanopillars serve multiple roles such as forming a Schottky junction and creating an efficient electrocatalytic active site on the electrode surface.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yanyan Lei, Wenping Si, Yuqing Wang, Haotian Tan, Lu Di, Liqun Wang, Ji Liang, Feng Hou
Summary: Achieving intimate particle-to-particle and particle-to-substrate contacts is crucial for fabricating high-quality photoelectrodes, and a seeding strategy is designed to construct a robust carbon nitride (CN) homojunction photoelectrode, leading to enhanced photoelectrochemical performance. The optimized photoelectrode exhibits excellent photocurrent density and hydrogen and oxygen evolution rates in 0.1 M NaOH electrolyte under AM 1.5G illumination. This work provides a new strategy for the design of high-performing CN photoelectrodes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Masato Machida, Asuka Ikematsu, Alam S. M. Nur, Hiroshi Yoshida
Summary: The study focused on the catalytic performance of alkaline earth vanadates supported on mesoporous SiO2 for the decomposition of SO3. The high activity of the catalysts was found to be closely related to the unusual melting behavior of Ae-V, allowing for efficient regeneration in the SO3 decomposition process at high temperatures.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Can Li, Fan Feng, Jie Jian, Youxun Xu, Fan Li, Hongqiang Wang, Lichao Jia
Summary: In this study, an efficient strategy for boosting bulk charge transport of BiVO4 through impregnation of BiVO4 in BiOI nanosheets precursor solution was demonstrated. The introduction of oxygen vacancies in the bulk of BiVO4 and the built-in electric field in BiVO4-BiOI synergistically improved the photocurrent density. This facile impregnation strategy is believed to pave an alternative way to the development of highly efficient BiVO4 photoanode.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
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
Jiachao Wu, Jun Wei, Bing Lv, Mingjun Wang, Xiaolu Wang, Wenzhong Wang
Summary: One-dimensional/zero-dimensional CdS/In2S3 nanorod arrays were successfully constructed by depositing In2S3 nanoparticles on 1D CdS nanorod arrays. The constructed CdS/In2S3 nanorod arrays show significantly enhanced photocurrent density under simulated solar light.
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mudasir Akbar Shah, Bilal Masood Pirzada, Gareth Price, Abel L. Shibiru, Ahsanulhaq Qurashi
Summary: Nanotechnology is playing an increasingly important role in designing smart fabrics, introducing properties like antimicrobial, UV resistance, conductivity, optics, waterproofing, and flame retardancy. Smart nanomaterial-based devices are now integrated with textiles for functions like energy harvesting, sensing, drug release, and optics. These advancements have wide applications in fashion, defense, healthcare, and on-body energy harnessing, with ongoing research into further developments.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad B. Wazir, Muhammad Daud, Soma Safeer, Faisal Almarzooqi, Ahsanulhaq Qurashi
Summary: This article comprehensively reviews the application of 2D MoSe2 in electrocatalytic HER, focusing on recent advancements in nanostructure design, phase transformation, defect engineering, doping, and formation of heterostructures. The role of 2D MoSe2 as a cocatalyst in photocatalytic HER is also discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nisar Khan, Tamanna Gul, Idrees Khan, Eman A. A. Alabbad, Shahid Ali, Khalid Saeed, Ibrahim Khan
Summary: This study reported the use of iron rust as a photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue dye under visible light and water oxidation. The calcined rust NPs showed high catalytic activity and efficient degradation of the dye in a short time. The results suggest that cheap and abundant rust can be utilized for environmental and energy applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shubra Lalwani, Maryam AlNahyan, Alanood Al Zaabi, Faisal AlMarzooqi, Ahsanulhaq Qurashi
Summary: With a 65% increase in global demand, green hydrogen has emerged as a leading candidate for clean energy carrier. The production of sustainable and clean hydrogen relies on cost-effective electrocatalysts with exceptional activity and durability. Recent studies have suggested that the design of non-noble metal heterostructures can achieve comparable electrocatalytic performance. This review focuses on the different forms of interfaces arising from heterostructures at the structural and atomic level, and discusses the mechanisms responsible for enhancing the performance of HER electrocatalysts.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ibrahim Khan, Yunjeong Gu, Sanghyuk Wooh
Summary: Transition metal vanadates have versatile applications in electrochemical and photoelectrochemical fields due to their electroactive sites, short ion diffusion pathways, and optical properties. Shape-controlled one-dimensional and two-dimensional t-MVs, especially CuV, CoV, FeV, and NiV, have gained popularity in water splitting technology. This review summarizes recent progress in the synthesis and performance of these t-MVs in terms of optoelectrical properties, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical water splitting performance.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Ashraf, Nisar Ullah, Ibrahim Khan, Wolfgang Tremel, Shahzada Ahmad, Muhammad Nawaz Tahir
Summary: Renewable energy is crucial for environmental sustainability, and sunlight-driven fuel synthesis through water splitting is a sustainable and economical method. However, the water oxidation half-reaction in photocatalytic water splitting is challenging and requires designer photocatalysts. Photoreforming can address these challenges and convert waste plastics and biomass into valuable organic products for H2 production. This article provides an overview of photoreforming, including its mechanisms and the use of different polymer wastes as substrates for photocatalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ibrahim Khan
Summary: Exploring different catalytic material paradigms is important for finding the best OER catalyst to produce hydrogen fuel from water. Cobalt-based materials, specifically the mu-CoV MPs synthesized in this study, show promising performance in seawater electrolytes. The annealing process significantly improves the crystallinity of the mu-CoV MPs, leading to enhanced OER behavior. However, the mu-CoV MPs electrode is not stable in connate water electrolytes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Ashraf, Roshan Ali, Ibrahim Khan, Nisar Ullah, Muhammad Sohail Ahmad, Tetsuya Kida, Sanghyuk Wooh, Wolfgang Tremel, Udo Schwingenschlogl, Muhammad Nawaz Tahir
Summary: This study reports the use of highly reduced graphene oxide (HRG) to engineer the bandgap of melon, improving its performance in photocatalytic reactions. Experimental results show that the addition of HRG significantly increases the photocurrent density, and this is validated by theoretical calculations.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ibrahim Khan, Nadeem Baig, Abdulhakim Bake, Muhammad Haroon, Muhammad Ashraf, Abdulaziz Al-Saadi, Muhammad Nawaz Tahir, Sanghyuk Wooh
Summary: Decorated three-dimensional porous laser-induced graphene (3D-LIG) with nanoparticles (NPs) shows self-supported and long-term stable oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction (OER and HER) activities. The 3D-LIG electrodes offer large surface area and electrolyte infiltration channels, while CuO and Pt NPs enhance the electrochemical durability and current density yield.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Arslan Hameed, Fatima Nasim, Nimra Nisar, Hassan Ali, Ahsanulhaq Qurashi, Dalaver Anjum, Manzar Sohail, Muhammad Arif Nadeem
Summary: A heterointerface structure of NiCo-alloy@CeO2, synthesized in this study, exhibits effective and enduring electrocatalytic ability toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). It shows potential for application in water splitting and regenerative metal-air battery systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Firdous Ahmad Deader, Yawar Abbas, Ahsanulhaq Qurashi, Mahmoud Al-Qutayri, Vincent Chan, Moh'd Rezeq
Summary: Nanoparticles bridge the gap between bulk materials and molecular/atomic counterparts, and their physical, optical, and electronic properties can be altered at the nanoscale. Attaining single monolayers of nanoparticles is crucial for improving the characteristics of semiconductor devices.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tamanna Gul, Shujaat Ahmad, Idrees Khan, Ibrahim Khan, Mazen Almehmadi, Ahad Amer Alsaiari, Mamdouh Allahyani, Khalid Saeed
Summary: The chemical reduction method was used to synthesize nickel oxide particles (NiO) and NiO supported on titanium dioxide (NiO/TiO2 nanocomposite). The composites were characterized using SEM, EDX, XRD, and FTIR analysis. It was found that NiO particles existed in both dispersed and agglomerated forms, while in the NiO/TiO2 composite, NiO particles (<200 nm) were evenly deposited on the surface of TiO2. The synthesized NiO and NiO/TiO2 exhibited efficient degradation of Orange II dye under UV light. NiO degraded 93% and NiO/TiO2 degraded approximately 96% of the dye within 30 min. Both photocatalysts showed high sustainability and significant OII dye degradation recyclability. Additionally, NiO and NiO/TiO2 demonstrated promising bioactivities with an antioxidant activity of 80%, comparable to standard ascorbic acid (88%).
JOURNAL OF SAUDI CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
N. Sarfraz, M. Ashraf, S. Ali, I. Khan
Summary: Magnetic iron oxide nanocomposites (MIO-NCs) have significant potential in scientific research and technological applications, particularly in the fields of energy and environment. The properties of MIO-NCs are influenced by their synthesis methods, which in turn affect their size and morphology.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Muhammad Ashraf, Nisar Ullah, Fazal Raziq, Ibrahim Khan, Khalid R. Alhooshani, Saheed Adewale Ganiyu, Muhammad Nawaz Tahir
Summary: In this study, non-noble metal nickel phosphide (Ni2P) based nanocomposites were synthesized to enhance the efficiency of photoelectrochemical water splitting. The nanocomposites showed higher photocurrent, H2 production rate, and photostability compared to the pristine carbon nitride.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ibrahim Khan, Syed Shaheen Shah, Abdulmajeed Hendi, Muhammad Ashraf, Younghyun Cho, Shahid Ali, Sanghyuk Wooh
Summary: Hybrid supercapacitors, functioning as both batteries and supercapacitors, have limitations in large-scale applications due to low conductivity and electrical stability. A carbon coating over mixed-phase titanium dioxide, formed by introducing carbon-rich polyacrylonitrile block copolymer, improves the performance and cycling stability of the hybrid supercapacitors.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)