Tailoring morphology symmetry of bismuth vanadate photocatalysts for efficient charge separation

Although spatial charge separation between different facets of semiconductor crystals has been recognized as a general strategy in photocatalysis, the vital role of crystal morphology symmetry in charge separation properties still remains elusive. Herein,taking monoclinic bismuth vanadate(BiVO_(4)) as a platform, we found distinct charge separation difference via rationally tailoring the morphology symmetry from octahedral to truncated octahedral crystals. For octahedral BiVO_(4), photogenerated electrons and holes can be separated between edges and quasi-equivalent facets. However, as for truncated octahedral crystals,photogenerated electrons tend to transfer to {010} facets while photogenerated holes prefer to accumulate on {120} facets, thus realizing the spatial separation of photogenerated charge between different facets. Morphology tailoring of BiVO_(4) crystals leads to a significantly improved photogenerated charge separation efficiency and photocatalytic water oxidation activity. The built-in electric field for driving the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes is considered to be modulated by tuning the morphology symmetry of BiVO_(4) crystals. This work discloses the significant roles of morphology symmetry in photogenerated charge separation and facilitates the rational design of artificial photocatalysts.

Large bandgap oscillations in two-dimensional Dion–Jacobson phase perovskites caused by coherent longitudinal acoustic phonons [Invited]

Two-dimensional Dion–Jacobson(D-J)phase perovskites are prospective photovoltaic and optoelectronic materials.To study their mechanical properties and carrier-lattice interactions,we conduct femtosecond spectroscopic experiments on the films of a D-J perovskite.After optical excitation,a∼33 meV bandgap oscillation is observed in the film by transient absorption spectroscopy.With the help of transient reflection methods,we reveal that the oscillation originates from the transport of coherent longitudinal acoustic phonons through the film.Large bandgap oscillation indicates a strong coupling between carriers and lattice,and significant bandgap modulation by strains in D-J perovskites.