Photocatalytic H2 Evolution on TiO2 Assembled with Ti3C2 MXene and Metallic 1T-WS2 as Co-catalysts

The biggest challenging issue in photocatalysis is efficient separation of the photoinduced carriers and the aggregation of photoexcited electrons on photocatalyst’s surface.In this paper,we report that double metallic co-catalysts Ti3C2 MXene and metallic octahedral(1T)phase tungsten disulfide(WS2)act pathways transferring photoexcited electrons in assisting the photocatalytic H2 evolution.TiO2 nanosheets were in situ grown on highly conductive Ti3C2 MXenes and 1T-WS2 nanoparticles were then uniformly distributed on TiO2@Ti3C2 composite.Thus,a distinctive 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composite with double metallic co-catalysts was achieved,and the content of 1T phase reaches 73%.The photocatalytic H2 evolution performance of 1T-WS2@TiO2@Ti3C2 composite with an optimized 15 wt%WS2 ratio is nearly 50 times higher than that of TiO2 nanosheets because of conductive Ti3C2 MXene and 1T-WS2 resulting in the increase of electron transfer efficiency.Besides,the 1T-WS2 on the surface of TiO2@Ti3C2 composite enhances the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area and boosts the density of active site.

Photo-depositing Ru and RuO2 on Anatase TiO2 Nanosheets as Co-catalysts for Photocatalytic O2 Evolution from Water Oxidation

TiO2 nanosheets mainly exposed （001） facet were prepared through a hydrothermal process with HF as the morphology-directing agent. Ru and RuO2 species were loaded by photo-deposition methods to prepare the photocatalysts. The structural features of the catalysts were characterized by X-ray di raction, transmission electron microscopy, inductively cou-pled plasma atomic emission spectrum, and H2 Temperature-programmed reduction. The photocatalytic property was studied by the O2 evolution from water oxidation, which was examined with respect to the in uences of Ru contents as well as the oxidation and reduction treatments, suggesting the charge separation effect of the Ru species co-catalysts on di erent facets of TiO2 nanosheets. In contrast to Ru/TiO2 and RuO2/TiO2 with the single deposited co-catalyst, the optimized catalyst 0.5%Ru-1.0%RuO2/TiO2 with dual co-catalysts achieved a much improved catalytic performance, in terms of the synergetic effect of dual co-catalysts and the enhanced charge separation effect.

Accelerating photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and pollutant degradation by coupling organic co-catalysts with TiO_2

Accelerating the separation efficiency of photoexcited electron-hole pairs with the help of highly active co-catalysts has proven to be a promising approach for improving photocatalytic activity. Thus far, the most developed co-catalysts for semiconductor-based photocatalysis are inorganic materials;the employment of a specific organic molecule as a co-catalyst for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and pollutant photodegradation is rare and still remains a challenging task. Herein, we report on the use of an organic molecule, oxamide (OA), as a novel co-catalyst to enhance electron- hole separation, photocatalytic H2 evolution, and dye degradation over TiO2 nanosheets. OA-modified TiO2 samples were prepared by a wet chemical route and demonstrated improved light absorption in the visible-light region and more efficient charge transport. The photocatalytic performance of H2 evolution from water splitting and rhodamine B (RhB) degradation for an optimal OA-modified TiO2 photocatalyst reached 2.37 mmol g^–1 h^–1 and 1.43 × 10^-2 min^-1, respectively, which were 2.4 and 3.8 times higher than those of pristine TiO2, respectively. A possible mechanism is proposed, in which the specific π-conjugated structure of OA is suggested to play a key role in the enhancement of the charge transfer and catalytic capability of TiO2. This work may provide advanced insight into the development of a variety of metal-free organic molecules as functional co-catalysts for improved solar-to-fuel conversion and environmental remediation.

2D MXenes as Co-catalysts in Photocatalysis:Synthetic Methods

Since their seminal discovery in 2011,two-dimensional(2D)transition metal carbides/nitrides known as MXenes,that constitute a large family of 2D materials,have been targeted toward various applications due to their outstanding electronic properties.MXenes functioning as co-catalyst in combination with certain photocatalysts have been applied in photocatalytic systems to enhance photogenerated charge separation,suppress rapid charge recombination,and convert solar energy into chemical energy or use it in the degradation of organic compounds.The photocatalytic performance greatly depends on the composition and morphology of the photocatalyst,which,in turn,are determined by the method of preparation used.Here,we review the four different synthesis methods(mechanical mixing,self-assembly,in situ decoration,and oxidation)reported for MXenes in view of their application as co-catalyst in photocatalysis.In addition,the working mechanism for MXenes application in photocatalysis is discussed and an outlook for future research is also provided.

Nickel and indium core-shell co-catalysts loaded silicon nanowire arrays for efficient photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO_(2) to formate

Developing an efficient artificial photosynthetic system for transforming carbon dioxide and storing solar energy in the form of chemical bonds is one of the greatest challenges in modern chemistry.However,the limited choice of catalysts with wide light absorption range,long-term stability and excellent selectivity for CO_(2) reduction makes the process sluggish.Here,a core-shell-structured nonnoble-metal Ni@In co-catalyst loaded p-type silicon nanowire arrays(SiNWs)for efficient CO_(2) reduction to formate is demonstrated.The formation rate and Faradaic efficiency of formate over the Ni@In/SiNWs catalyst reach 58μmol h^(-1) cm^(-2) and 87% under the irradiation of one simulated sunlight(AM 1.5 G,100 mW cm^(-2)),respectively,which are about 24 and 12 times those over the pristine SiNWs.The enhanced photoelectrocatalytic performance for CO_(2) reduction is attributed to the rational combination of Ni capable of effectively extracting the photogenerated electrons and In responsible for the selective activation of CO_(2).

Selective aerobic oxidation of p-cresol with co-catalysts between metalloporphyrins and metal salts

A green and efficient method for the selective aerobic oxidation of p-cresol to p-hydroxybenzaldehyde catalyzed by co-catalysts between metalloporphyrins and metal salts was investigated and developed. The relationship between the synergistic catalytic effects and the composition as well as amount of co-catalysts was investigated. Moreover, the influence of different reaction conditions was studied in details. A high p-cresol conversion （〉99%） and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde selectivity （83%） were obtained using only 1.125 × 10- 5 mol T（p-CH3O）PPFe111Cl-Co（OAc）2 used under mild, optimized reaction conditions. A possible mechanism for the reaction was also proposed. This work would be meaningful and instructive for the further researches and applications of co-catalyst system on oxidation of cresols and could give some enlightenment on the selectively catalytic oxidation of the side-chain alkyls of aromatics.

Synergistic effect of phosphorus doping and MoS_(2) co-catalysts on g-C_(3)N_(4) photocatalysts for enhanced solar water splitting

Carbon nitride(g-C_(3)N_(4))is a promising metal-free and visible-light-responsive photocatalyst.However,its photocatalytic efficiency still suffers from high recombination rates of photoinduced charge carriers,slow kinetics of surface redox reactions,and relatively poor light absorption.Herein,a non-noble metal photocatalyst of MoS_(2) nanodots anchored on P-doped g-C_(3)N_(4) via in situ photodeposition was constructed.With the synergetic effect of the P-doping and MoS_(2) co-catalyst,the as-prepared P-doped g-C_(3)N_(4)/MoS_(2) catalyst has achieved efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting with a hydrogen evolution rate of 121.7μmol h−1 g−1.Experimental results and Density functional theory(DFT)simulations indicate that the enhanced photo-absorption capacity originates from the reduced band gaps by P doping.Meanwhile,the MoS_(2) reduces the overpotential of the water oxidation process and improves hydrogen adsorption capability in the hydrogen evolution reaction.This work can pave a new avenue to design and develop noble-metal-free water-splitting photocatalysts for future large-scale applications.

Mass Transfer-Promoted Fe^(2+)/Fe^(3+)Circulation Steered by 3D Flow-Through Co-Catalyst System Toward Sustainable Advanced Oxidation Processes

Realizing fast and continuous generation of reactive oxygen species(ROSs)via iron-based advanced oxidation processes(AOPs)is significant in the environmental and biological fields.However,current AOPs assisted by co-catalysts still suffer from the poor mass/electron transfer and non-durable promotion effect,giving rise to the sluggish Fe^(2+)/Fe^(3+)cycle and low dynamic concentration of Fe^(2+)for ROS production.Herein,we present a three-dimensional(3D)macroscale co-catalyst functionalized with molybdenum disulfide(MoS_(2))to achieve ultra-efficient Fe^(2+)regeneration(equilibrium Fe^(2+)ratio of 82.4%)and remarkable stability(more than 20 cycles)via a circulating flow-through process.Unlike the conventional batch-type reactor,experiments and computational fluid dynamics simulations demonstrate that the optimal utilization of the 3D active area under the flow-through mode,initiated by the convectionenhanced mass/charge transfer for Fe^(2+)reduction and then strengthened by MoS_(2)-induced flow rotation for sufficient reactant mixing,is crucial for oxidant activation and subsequent ROS generation.Strikingly,the flow-through co-catalytic system with superwetting capabilities can even tackle the intricate oily wastewater stabilized by different surfactants without the loss of pollutant degradation efficiency.Our findings highlight an innovative co-catalyst system design to expand the applicability of AOPs based technology,especially in large-scale complex wastewater treatment.

Recent advances in synthesis strategies and solar-to-hydrogen evolution of 1T phase MS_(2)(M=W,Mo)co-catalysts

Photocatalytic water splitting is a promising strategy to produce hydrogen as a sustainable and clean energy carrier,based on abundant solar energy and semiconductor photocatalysts,and it has received extensive research and discussion over the past several decades.It is challenging,however,to achieve an efficient solar-to-hydrogen evolution process with a single particulate photocatalyst due to the weak solar spectrum harvest and the rapid recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs during the photocatalysis reaction.Combining semiconductors to create different co-catalysts presents a viable solution to the above issues.Recently,semiconductor photocatalysts modified by different transition metal sulfidebased co-catalysts with designed functions,especially in light absorption enhancement and chargecarrier-separation efficiency promotion,have attracted much attention.As continued breakthroughs have been made in the preparation,modification,and solar-to-hydrogen evolution application of the 1T phase MS_(2)(M=W,Mo)co-catalyst-based photocatalysis system in recent years,we believe that a comprehensive review of this kind of co-catalyst would further promote its research and development to address the energy and environmental challenges that we are currently facing.Herein,recent studies and progress are summarized on the fabrication of 1T phase MS_(2)(M=W,Mo)-based co-catalyst materials,as well as their roles and functional mechanisms for photocatalytic H;evolution.Finally,concluding perspectives on the opportunities in and challenges for the further exploration of the 1T-MS_(2)(M=W,Mo)-based solar-tohydrogen evolution system are presented.

Effects of Bi-dopant and co-catalysts upon hole surface trapping on La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) nanosheet photocatalysts in overall solar water splitting

Pristine and Bi-doped lanthanum titanium oxide(La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7))nanosheets have been synthesized as photocatalysts for overall solar water splitting.The surface hole trap is a critical factor that limits the photocatalytic activity of pristine La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7)-Deposition of cobalt phosphate(Co-Pi)and platinum(Pt)nanoparticles on La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) cannot remove the surface traps although they are essential for enabling the oxygen and hydrogen evolution reactions.It is interesting that doping bismuth(Bi)into La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7) nanosheets has eliminated the surface traps due to surface enrichment of Bi.The Co-Pi/Bi-La_(2)Ti_(2)O_(7)/Pt nanosheets exhibit increasing photocatalytic activity toward overall water splitting with increasing the Bi-dopant level up to 5 at.%.Further increasing the Bi-dopant level leads to the formation of localized states above the valence band,leading to the lifetime reduction of photogenerated charge-carriers,and jeopardizing the photocatalytic activity.This work proposes an effective strategy to address the surface trapping and surface catalysis issues in the nanostructured metal oxide photocatalysts.

The effect of co-catalysts on the morphology of isotactic polypropene prepared using metallocene catalyst

SiO2/rac-Me2Si[2-Me-4-Naph-Ind]2ZrCl2 was prepared and different co-catalysts were used in bulk polymerization of propene. The morphology of polypropene could be controlled by altering the co-catalysts. The isotactic polypropene with good morphology and high bulk density were prepared. The formation mechanism of active centers was proposed, by which the effect of co-catalysts on the morphology of polypeopene was analyzed.

Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene co-catalyst assembled with mesoporous TiO_(2) for boosting photocatalytic activity of methyl orange degradation and hydrogen production

Photocatalytic degradation and hydrogen production using solar energy through semiconductor photocatalysts are deemed to be a powerful approach for solving environmental and energy crisis.However,the biggest challenge in photocatalysis is the efficient separation of photo-induced carriers.To this end,we report that the mesoporous TiO_(2)nanoparticles are anchored on highly conductive Ti_(3)C_(2)MXene co-catalyst by electrostatic self-assembly strategy.The constructed mesoporous TiO_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)composites display that the mesoporous TiO_(2)nanoparticles are uniformly distributed on the surface of layer structured Ti_(3)C_(2)nanosheets.More importantly,the as-obtained mesoporous TiO_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)composites reveal the significantly enhanced light absorption performance,photo-induced carriers separation and transfer ability,thus boosting the photocatalytic activity.The photocatalytic methyl orange degradation efficiency of mesoporous TiO_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)composite with an optimized Ti_(3)C_(2)content(3 wt%)can reach 99.6%within 40 min.The capture experiments of active species confirm that the·O_(2)-and·OH play major role in photocatalytic degradation process.Furthermore,the optimized mesoporous TiO_(2)/Ti_(3)C_(2)composite also shows an excellent photocatalytic H2 production rate of 218.85μmol g^(-1)h^(-1),resulting in a 5.6 times activity as compared with the pristine mesoporous TiO_(2)nanoparticles.This study demonstrates that the MXene family materials can be applied as highly efficient noble-metal-free co-catalysts in the field of photocatalysis.

Improved Oxygen Evolution Kinetics and Surface States Passivation of Ni-Bi Co-Catalyst for a Hematite Photoanode

This paper describes the combinational surface kinetics enhancement and surface states passivation of nickel-borate （Ni-Bi） co-catalyst for a hematite （Fe_2O_3） photoanode. The Ni-Brmodified Fe_2O_3 photoanode exhibits a cathodic onset potential shift of 230 mV and a 2.3-fold enhancement of the photocurrent at 1.23 V, versus the reversible hydrogen electrode （RHE）. The borate （Bi） in the Ni-Bi film promotes the release of pro- tons for the oxygen evolution reaction （OER）.

Preparation and Cracking Performance of FCC Co-Catalyst for Enhancing Light Oil Production

In this paper, a FCC co-catalyst for enhancing the light oil production was prepared by the sol-gel method, and its effect on the performance of residue cracking catalysts was evaluated in a CCFFB reactor. The test results indicated that the liquid product yield increased obviously, after the surface of FCC equilibrium catalyst was impregnated with the co-catalyst. The yields of dry gas, slurry and coke decreased, while the diesel yield changed slightly. And the crackability of residue was increased; the rate of coke deposition on catalyst surface was decreased, with the thermal cracking reactions inhibited. All these results showed that the co-catalyst could improve the density of acid sites and change the catalyst acidity, which could promote to prolong the catalyst activity by depositing the co-catalyst on the surface of FCC equilibrium catalysts.

Heterostructuring noble-metal-free 1T'phase MoS_(2) with g-C_(3)N_(4) hollow nanocages to improve the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity

In this work,we report the preparation of 1T'-MoS_(2)/g-C_(3)N_(4) nanocage(NC)heterostructure by loading 2D semi-metal noble-metal-free 1T'-MoS_(2) on the g-C_(3)N_(4) nanocages(NCs).DFT calculation and experimental data have shown that the 1T'-MoS_(2)/g-C_(3)N_(4) NC heterostructure has a stronger light absorption capacity and larger specific surface area than pure g-C_(3)N_(4) NCs and g-C_(3)N_(4) nanosheets(NSs),and the presence of the co-catalysts 1T'-MoS_(2) can effectively inhibit the photoinduced carrier recombination.As a result,the 1T'-MoS_(2)/g-C_(3)N_(4) NC heterostructure with an optimum 1T'-MoS_(2) loading of 9 wt%displays a hydrogen evolution rate of 1949 mmol h^(-1) g^(-1),162.4,1.2,1.5,1.6 and 1.2 times than pure g-C_(3)N_(4) NCs(12 mmol h^(-1) g^(-1)),Pt/g-C_(3)N_(4) NCs(1615 mmol h^(-1) g^(-1))and Pt/g-C_(3)N_(4) nanosheets(NSs,1297 mmol h^(-1) g^(-1)),1T'-MoS_(2)/g-C_(3)N_(4) nanosheets(1216 mmol h^(-1) g^(-1))and 2H-MoS_(2)/g-C_(3)N_(4) nanocages(1573 mmol h^(-1) g^(-1)),respectively,and exhibits excellent cycle stability.Therefore,1T'-MoS_(2)/g-C_(3)N_(4) NC heterostructure is a suitable photocatalyst for green H_(2) production.

Bifunctional core–shell co-catalyst for boosting photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction to CH_(4)

Solar-light-driven CO_(2) reduction CO to CH_(4) and C2H6 is a complex process involving multiple elementary reactions and energy barriers.Therefore,achieving high CH_(4) activity and selectivity remains a significant challenge.Here,we integrate bifunctional Cu2O and Cu-MOF(MOF=metal-organic framework)core–shell co-catalysts(Cu2O@Cu-MOF)with semiconductor TiO_(2).Experiments and theoretical calculations demonstrate that Cu2O(Cu+facilitates charge separation)and Cu-MOF(Cu2+improves the CO_(2) adsorption and activation)in the core–shell structure have a synergistic effect on photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction,reducing the formation barrier of the key intermediate*COOH and*CHO.The photocatalyst exhibits high CH_(4) yield(366.0μmol·g^(-1)·h^(-1)),efficient electron transfer(3283μmol·g^(-1)·h^(-1))and hydrocarbon selectivity(95.5%),which represents the highest activity of Cu-MOF-based catalysts in photocatalytic CO_(2) reduction reaction.This work provides a strategy for designing efficient photocatalysts from the perspective of precise regulation of components.

Accurate design of spatially separated double active site in Bi_(4)NbO_(8)Cl single crystal to promote Z-Scheme photocatalytic overall water splitting

The efficiency of photocatalytic overall water splitting was mainly limited by the slow reaction kinetics of water oxidation.How to design effective surface active site to overcome the slow water oxidation reaction was a major challenge.Here,we propose a strategy to accelerate surface water oxidation through the fabrication spatially separated double active sites.FeCoPi/Bi_(4)NbO_(8)Cl-OVs photocatalyst with spatially separated double active site was prepared by hydrogen reduction photoanode deposition method.Due to the high matching of the spatial loading positions of FeCoPi and OVs with the photogenerated charge distribution of Bi_(4)NbO_(8)Cl and corresponding reaction mechanisms of substrate,the FeCoPi and OVs on the(001)and(010)crystal planes of Bi_(4)NbO_(8)Cl photocatalyst provided surface active site for water oxidation reaction and electron shuttle reaction(Fe^(3+)/Fe^(2+)),respectively.Under visible light irradiation,the evolution O_(2)rate of FeCoPi/Bi_(4)NbO_(8)Cl OVs was 16.8μmol h^(-1),as 32.9 times as Bi_(4)NbO_(8)Cl.Furthermore,a hydrogen evolution co-catalyst PtRu@Cr_(2)O_(3)was prepared by sequential photodeposition method.Due to the introduction of Ru,the Schottky barrier between PbTiO_(3)and Pt was effectively reduced,which promoted the transfer of photogenerated electrons to PtRu@Cr_(2)O_(3)thermodynamically,the evolution H_(2)rate on PtRu@Cr_(2)O_(3)/PbTiO_(3)increased to 664.8 times.On based of the synchronous enhancement of the water oxidation performance on FeCoPi/Bi_(4)NbO_(8)Cl-OVs and water reduction performance on PtRu@Cr_(2)O_(3)/PbTiO_(3),a novel Z-Scheme photocatalytic overall water splitting system(FeCoPi/Bi_(4)NbO_(8)Cl-OVs)mediated by Fe^(3+)/Fe^(2+)had successfully constructed.Under visible light irradiation,the evolution rates of H_(2)and O_(2)were 2.5 and 1.3μmol h^(-1),respectively.This work can provide some reference for the design of active site and the controllable synthesis of OVs spatial position.On the other hand,the hydrogen evolution co catalyst(PtRu@Cr_(2)O_(3))and the co catalyst FeCoPi for oxygen evolution contributed to the construction of an overall water splitting system.

Strategies for engineering metal-organic frameworks as efficient photocatalysts

Environmental pollution and energy deficiency represent major problems for the sustainability of the modern world. Photocatalysis has recently emerged as an effective and environmentally friendly technique to address some of these sustainability issues,although the key to the success of this approach is dependent on the photocatalysts themselves. Based on their attractive physic chemical properties,including their ultrahigh surface areas,homogeneous active sites and tunable functionality,metal-organic frameworks（MOFs） have become interesting platforms for the development of solar energy conversion devices. Furthermore,MOFs have recently been used in a wide variety of applications,including heterogeneous photocatalysis for pollutant degradation,organic transformations,hydrogen production and CO2 reduction. In this review,we have highlighted recent progress towards the application of MOFs in all of these areas. We have collected numerous reported examples of the use of MOFs in these areas,as well as providing some analysis of the key factors influencing the efficiency of these systems. Moreover,we have provided a detailed discussion of new strategies that have been developed for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of MOFs. Finally,we have provided an outlook for this area in terms of the future challenges and potential prospects for MOFs in photocatalysis.

Photocatalyst with Chloroplast-like Structure for Enhancing Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Photosynthesis with the chloroplast works efficiently because of the envelope structure that serves to carry enzymes and to simultaneously maintain the spatial separation of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.Inspired by the spatially separated architecture,a chloroplast-like structured photocatalyst(PdS@CdS@MoS_(2)),in which the PdS and MoS_(2) function as enzymes in the chloroplast and CdS shell functions as the chloroplast envelope,was developed to improve the photocatalytic H_(2) evolution.In this unique nanoscale bionic structure,the poriferous CdS shell enhances light absorption,generates photoinduced carriers,and separates oxidation and reduction reactions.Meanwhile,PdS and MoS_(2) dual cocatalysts enhance the charge separation efficiency through forming a built-in electric field with CdS.We demonstrate that the separation efficiency of carriers,carrier lifetime,and the yield of H_(2) are both higher than that of CdS nanoparticles,evidencing the feasibility of the chloroplast-like structure in enhancing the photocatalyst activity.This work emphasizes the synergism of the three key processes of the photocatalytic reaction by simulating the chloroplast structure and provides a general synthesis strategy,the synthesis of novel structured for photocatalysts for diverse applications in the energy field.

Nanocarbon-Enhanced 2D Photoelectrodes:A New Paradigm in Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Solar-driven photoelectrochemical(PEC)water splitting systems are highly promising for converting solar energy into clean and sustainable chemical energy.In such PEC systems,an integrated photoelectrode incorporates a light harvester for absorbing solar energy,an interlayer for transporting photogenerated charge carriers,and a co-catalyst for triggering redox reactions.Thus,understanding the correlations between the intrinsic structural properties and functions of the photoelectrodes is crucial.Here we critically examine various 2D layered photoanodes/photocathodes,including graphitic carbon nitrides,transition metal dichalcogenides,layered double hydroxides,layered bismuth oxyhalide nanosheets,and MXenes,combined with advanced nanocarbons(carbon dots,carbon nanotubes,graphene,and graphdiyne)as co-catalysts to assemble integrated photoelectrodes for oxygen evolution/hydrogen evolution reactions.The fundamental principles of PEC water splitting and physicochemical properties of photoelectrodes and the associated catalytic reactions are analyzed.Elaborate strategies for the assembly of 2D photoelectrodes with nanocarbons to enhance the PEC performances are introduced.The mechanisms of interplay of 2D photoelectrodes and nanocarbon co-catalysts are further discussed.The challenges and opportunities in the field are identified to guide future research for maximizing the conversion efficiency of PEC water splitting.