Ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process, which has been heralded as the most important invention of the 20 th century, consumes massive amounts of energy, around 1%–2% of the world’s annual energy...Ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process, which has been heralded as the most important invention of the 20 th century, consumes massive amounts of energy, around 1%–2% of the world’s annual energy consumption. Developing green and sustainable strategies for NH3 synthesis under ambient conditions, using renewable energy, is strongly desired, by both industrial and sci-entific researchers. Artificial photosynthesis for ammonia synthesis, which has recently attracted significant attention, directly produces NH3 from sunlight, and N2 and H2O via photocatalysis. This has been regarded as an ideal, energy-saving and environmentally-benign process for NH3 produc-tion because it can be performed under normal temperature and atmospheric pressure using re-newable solar energy. Although sustainable developments have been achieved since the pioneering work in 1977, many challenging issues（e.g., adsorption and activation of nitrogen molecules on the surface of photocatalysts under mild conditions） have still not been well solved and the photocata-lytic activities are generally low. In this miniature review, I summarize the most recent progress of photocatalytic N2 fixation for ammonia synthesis, focusing specifically on two attractive aspects for adsorption and activation of nitrogen molecules： one is engineering of oxygen vacancies, and the other is mimicking natural nitrogenase for constructing artificial systems for N2 fixation. Several representative works focusing on these aspects in artificial systems have been reported recently, and it has been demonstrated that both factors play more significant roles in photocatalytic N2 re-duction and fixation under ambient conditions. At the end of the review, I also give some remarks and perspective on the existing challenges and future directions in this field.展开更多
The photocatalytic activity of a semiconductor‐based photocatalyst largely depends on the semiconductor’s intrinsic crystal and electronic properties.We have prepared two types of La and Cr co‐doped SrTiO3photocata...The photocatalytic activity of a semiconductor‐based photocatalyst largely depends on the semiconductor’s intrinsic crystal and electronic properties.We have prepared two types of La and Cr co‐doped SrTiO3photocatalysts(SrTiO3(La,Cr))using the polymerized complex method(PCM)and sol‐gel hydrothermal method(SHM).Under?>420‐nm visible light irradiation,only the Pt‐loaded SrTiO3(La,Cr)prepared by the SHM showed efficient photocatalytic activities for both H2evolution in the presence of an I?sacrificial reagent and for Z‐scheme overall water splitting when it was coupled with the Pt‐loaded WO3in the presence of I?and IO3?as the shuttle redox mediator.The superior photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3(La,Cr)prepared by the SHM has been ascribed to its more negative conduction‐band position,higher carrier concentration,and higher carrier mobility,demonstrating that the design and synthesis of an H2‐evolution photocatalyst with appropriate electronic properties is crucial for achieving Z‐scheme overall water splitting.展开更多
As a great threat to all livings on earth,waste artificial plastics now are everywhere,from oceans to our cells[1].The world cannot withstand the growing waste plastic in million tonnes every year,which has already ca...As a great threat to all livings on earth,waste artificial plastics now are everywhere,from oceans to our cells[1].The world cannot withstand the growing waste plastic in million tonnes every year,which has already caused environmental pollution and economic losses[2].Besides the efforts for preparing novel plastics with the self‐decomposition ability,methods are needed to clear away these waste plastics leftover from history or recycle well this organic carbon resource[3].Photocatalysis is a potential solution for the conversion of waste plastics under mild conditions.In this perspective,we highlight the effect of photocatalytic approaches toward the generation of low carbon number organic products(C_(n) products,n≤8)from waste plastics,which can proceed under an inert or aerobic atmosphere.Notably,critical analysis of the carbon source in products is necessary to reveal the active species for the C–X bonds(X=C,N,and O)cleavage of plastics.Finally,we outline potential avenues for further development of this emerging field to enhance the yield of C_(n)(n≤8)products from waste plastics.展开更多
Conversion of alkynes to alkenes by photocatalysis has inspired extensive interest but it is still challenging to obtain both high conversion and selectivity.Here we first demonstrate the photocatalytic conversion of ...Conversion of alkynes to alkenes by photocatalysis has inspired extensive interest but it is still challenging to obtain both high conversion and selectivity.Here we first demonstrate the photocatalytic conversion of phenylacetylene(PLE)to styrene(STE)with both high conversion and selectivity by using the titania(TiO2)supported platinum(Pt)as photocatalyst under 385 nm monochromatic light irradiation.It is demonstrated that the conversion rate of PLE is strongly dependent on the content of Pt cocatalyst loaded on the surface of TiO2.Based on our optimization,the conversion of PLE and the selectivity towards STE on the 1 wt%Pt/TiO2 photocatalyst can unexpectedly reach as high as 92.4%and 91.3%,respectively.The highly selective photocatalytic hydrogenation can well be extended to the conversion of other typical alkynes to alkenes,demonstrating the generality of selective hydrogenation of C≡C over the Pt/TiO2 photocatalyst.展开更多
Copper-indium bimetallic catalysts with a dendritic structure are fabricated by a two-step electrodeposition method using a hydrogen evolution template for the CO2 electroreduction reaction(CO2RR).The dendritic Cu-In-...Copper-indium bimetallic catalysts with a dendritic structure are fabricated by a two-step electrodeposition method using a hydrogen evolution template for the CO2 electroreduction reaction(CO2RR).The dendritic Cu-In-30 catalyst electrodeposited for 30 min shows the highest specific surface area and exposes the most active sites,resulting in improved CO2RR activity.The dendritic Cu-In-30 catalyst exhibits distinctly higher formate partial current density(42.0 m A cm^-2)and Faradaic efficiency(87.4%)than those of the In-30 catalyst without the dendritic structure(the formate partial current density and Faradaic efficiency are 4.6 m A cm^-2 and 57.0%,respectively)at-0.85 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode,ascribed to the increased specific surface area.The Cu-In-30 catalyst can maintain stable performance for 12 h during the CO2RR.In addition,the intrinsic current density of Cu-In-30 with the dendritic structure(4.8 m A cm^-2)is much higher than that of In-30 without the dendritic structure(2.1 m A cm^-2),indicating that the dendritic structure promotes the CO2RR,possibly due to additional coordination unsaturated atoms.展开更多
Although different NbO_(x) units are present in Nb_(2)O_(5)‐based catalysts,the correlations between these structures and activity remain unclear,which considerably hinders the further development of Nb_(2)O_(5) phot...Although different NbO_(x) units are present in Nb_(2)O_(5)‐based catalysts,the correlations between these structures and activity remain unclear,which considerably hinders the further development of Nb_(2)O_(5) photocatalysis.Herein,we utilized N‐hydroxyphthalimide(NHPI)as the probe molecule to distinguish the role of different NbO_(x) units in the activation of C–H bond under visible light irradia‐tion.With the addition of NHPI,Nb_(2)O_(5) catalysts with highly disordered NbO_(6) units exhibited higher activities than that with slightly disordered NbO_(6) units(419‒495 vs.82μmol·g^(-1)·h^(-1))in photocata‐lytic selective oxidation of ethylbenzene.Revealed by Raman spectra,electron paramagnetic reso‐nance spectra,and transmission‐electron‐microscopy images,highly disordered NbO_(6) units were confirmed to act as the active sites for the transfer of photogenerated electrons from NHPI,pro‐moting the generation of phthalimide‐N‐oxyl(PINO)radicals for the enhanced conversion of ethylbenzene under visible light irradiation.This study provides guidance on the role of local NbO_(x) units in Nb_(2)O_(5) photocatalysis.展开更多
We present an efficient approach for the chemoselective synthesis of arylamines from nitroarenes and formate over an oxygen-implanted MoS2 catalyst（O-MoS2）.O-MoS2 was prepared by incomplete sul idation and reduction...We present an efficient approach for the chemoselective synthesis of arylamines from nitroarenes and formate over an oxygen-implanted MoS2 catalyst（O-MoS2）.O-MoS2 was prepared by incomplete sul idation and reduction of an ammonium molybdate precursor.A number of Mo-O bonds were implanted in the as-synthesized ultrathin O-MoS2 nanosheets.As a consequence of the different coordination geometries of O（Mo O2） and S（MoS2）,and lengths of the Mo-O and Mo-S bonds,the implanted Mo-O bonds induced obvious defects and more coordinatively unsaturated（CUS） Mo sites in O-MoS2,as confirmed by X-ray diffraction,Raman spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,high resolution transmission electron microscopy,and extended X-ray absorption fine structure characterization of various MoS2-based materials.O-MoS2 with abundant CUS Mo sites was found to efficiently catalyze the chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes to arylamines.展开更多
Artificial photosynthetic solar fuels and foodstuffs are an effective and attractive approach for sustaining our society in a green and low‐carbon manner.Although it is a big challenge to develop science and technolo...Artificial photosynthetic solar fuels and foodstuffs are an effective and attractive approach for sustaining our society in a green and low‐carbon manner.Although it is a big challenge to develop science and technology of solar energy conversion,solar fuels including green hydrogen and liquid sunshine such as methanol produced via artificial photosynthesis are an important pathway to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the emission of carbon dioxide[1].Artificial photosynthetic systems aim to the efficient conversion of solar energy with water and carbon dioxide into the stable,energy‐dense carriers for chemical industrial supply chains.Furthermore,the advanced foodstuffs,such as biological macromolecules including starch and protein via artificial photosynthesis,will play an important role in animal feed and food industrial feedstock in the future.Therefore,artificial photosynthetic technologies for carbon dioxide conversion and utilization have shed light on the roadmap to move forward to carbon neutrality.展开更多
Plasmonic photocatalysis with tunable light absorption has aroused significant attention in so-lar-to-chemical energy conversion.However,the energy conversion efficiency of plasmonic photo-catalysts is impeded by inef...Plasmonic photocatalysis with tunable light absorption has aroused significant attention in so-lar-to-chemical energy conversion.However,the energy conversion efficiency of plasmonic photo-catalysts is impeded by ineffective charge separation and the lack of highly active sites for redox reactions.In this work,the Au nanoparticle size and Au-TiO2 interaction of the Au/TiO2 plasmonic photocatalyst were adjusted simultaneously using a post-calcination treatment.The visi-ble-ight-induced water oxidation activity exhibited a volcano-like relationship with the calcination temperature;the treated photocatalyst at 600°C manifested the highest activity.Characterization with UV-visible spectra,XRD,SEM,and XPS revealed that the effect of the Au nanoparticle size and Au-TiO2 interaction were both responsible for the increase in plasmon-induced water oxidation activity.展开更多
Photocatalytic Z-scheme water splitting is considered as a promising approach to produce solar hydrogen.However,the forward hydrogen production reaction is often impeded by backward reactions.In the present study,in a...Photocatalytic Z-scheme water splitting is considered as a promising approach to produce solar hydrogen.However,the forward hydrogen production reaction is often impeded by backward reactions.In the present study,in a photosystem Ⅱ-integrated hybrid Z-scheme water splitting system,the backward hydrogen oxidation reaction was significantly suppressed by loading a PtCrOx cocatalyst on a ZrO2/TaON photocatalyst.Due to the weak chemisorption and activation of molecular hydrogen on PtCrOx,where Pt is stabilized in the oxidized forms,Pt^Ⅱ and Pt^Ⅳ,hydrogen oxidation is inhibited.However,it is remarkably well-catalyzed by the metallic Pt cocatalyst,thereby rapidly consuming the produced hydrogen.This work describes an approach to inhibit the backward reaction in the photosystem Ⅱ-integrated hybrid Z-scheme water splitting system using Fe(CN)6^3-/Fe(CN)6^4-redox couple as an electron shuttle.展开更多
When a proton reduction cocatalyst is loaded on an n-type semiconductor for photocatalytic overall water splitting(POWS),the location of water oxidation sites is generally considered at the surface of the semiconducto...When a proton reduction cocatalyst is loaded on an n-type semiconductor for photocatalytic overall water splitting(POWS),the location of water oxidation sites is generally considered at the surface of the semiconductor due to upward band-bending of n-type semiconductor which may ease the transfer of the photogenerated holes to the surface.However,this is not the case for Pt/SrTiO_(3),a model semiconductor based photocatalyst for POWS.It was found that the photogenerated holes are more readily accumulated at the interface between Pt cocatalyst and SrTiO_(3) photocatalyst as probed by photo-oxidative deposition of PbO_(2),indicating that the water oxidation sites are located at the interface between Pt and SrTiO_(3).Electron paramagnetic resonance and scanning transmission electron microscope studies suggest that the interfacial oxygen atoms between Pt and SrTiO_(3) in Pt/SrTiO_(3) after POWS are more readily lost to form oxygen vacancies upon vacuum heat treatment,regardless of Pt loading by photodeposition or impregnation methods,which may serve as additional support for the location of the active sites for water oxidation at the interface.Density functional theory calculations also suggest that the oxygen evolution reaction more readily occurs at the interfacial sites with the lowest overpotential.These experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the more active sites for water oxidation are located at the interface between Pt and SrTiO_(3),rather than on the surface of SrTiO_(3).Hence,the tailor design and control of the interfacial properties are extremely important for the achievement or improvement of the POWS on cocatalyst loaded semiconductor photocatalyst.展开更多
Cocatalyst plays key roles in photogenerated charge separation and surface catalytic reactions in photocatalysis.However,it is not clear if the chemical states of cocatalysts changed or remains unchanged under photoca...Cocatalyst plays key roles in photogenerated charge separation and surface catalytic reactions in photocatalysis.However,it is not clear if the chemical states of cocatalysts changed or remains unchanged under photocatalytic reaction conditions.Herein,taking NaTaO3 as an example,we systemically investigated the chemical states of nickel‐based cocatalysts during photocatalytic water splitting reaction.It was found that photo‐induced self‐formation of Ni and NiO cocatalyst species take place on the surface of NaTaO3 nanocrystals.The self‐formation of dual‐cocatalysts not only occurs on 26‐facet NaTaO3,but also takes place on a more general 6‐facet NaTaO3.Our work clarified that the chemical states of cocatalysts are changing and the redox dual‐cocatalysts are redistributed on the semiconductor surface owing to the reaction induced by photogenerated charges under the condition of photocatalytic reactions.展开更多
The surface modification of metal oxides using organic modifiers is a potential strategy for enhancing their catalytic performances.In this study,a hydrophobic surface amine-modified CoO catalyst with a water contact ...The surface modification of metal oxides using organic modifiers is a potential strategy for enhancing their catalytic performances.In this study,a hydrophobic surface amine-modified CoO catalyst with a water contact angle of 143°was fabricated.The catalyst was characterized by XRD,TGA,FT-IR,HR-TEM,and XPS.The results showed that the fabricated catalyst performed better than the hydrophilic commercial CoO nanoparticle in the process of aromatic hydrocarbon oxidation.After the amines modification,commercial CoO also became hydrophobic and improved conversion of ethylbenzene was achieved.The surface modification of CoO with amines induced the hydrophobicity property,which could serve as a reference for the design of other hydrophobic catalysts.展开更多
Although photocatalytic water splitting has excellent potential for converting solar energy into chemical energy,the challenging charge separation process and sluggish surface catalytic reactions significantly limit p...Although photocatalytic water splitting has excellent potential for converting solar energy into chemical energy,the challenging charge separation process and sluggish surface catalytic reactions significantly limit progress in solar energy conversion using semiconductor photocatalysts.Herein,we demonstrate a feasible strategy involving the surface assembly of cobalt oxide species(CoO_(x))on a visible-light-responsive Cd_(0.9)Zn_(0.1)S(CZS)photocatalyst to fabricate a hierarchical CZS@CoO_(x) heterostructure.The unique hierarchical structure effectively accelerates the directional transfer of photogenerated charges,reducing charge recombination through the smooth interfacial heterojunction between CZS and CoO_(x),as evidenced by photoluminescence(PL)spectroscopy and various electrochemical characterizations.The surface cobalt species on the CZS material also act as efficient cocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production,with activity even higher than that of noble metals.The well-defined CZS@CoO_(x) heterostructure not only enhances the interfacial separation of photoinduced charges,but also improves surface catalytic reactions.This leads to superior photocatalytic performances,with an apparent quantum efficiency of 20%at 420 nm for visible-light-driven hydrogen generation,which is one of the highest quantum efficiencies measured among noble-metal-free photocatalysts.Our work presents a potential pathway for controlling complex charge separation and catalytic reaction processes in photocatalysis,guiding the practical development of artificial photocatalysts for successful transformation of solar to chemical energy.展开更多
文摘Ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process, which has been heralded as the most important invention of the 20 th century, consumes massive amounts of energy, around 1%–2% of the world’s annual energy consumption. Developing green and sustainable strategies for NH3 synthesis under ambient conditions, using renewable energy, is strongly desired, by both industrial and sci-entific researchers. Artificial photosynthesis for ammonia synthesis, which has recently attracted significant attention, directly produces NH3 from sunlight, and N2 and H2O via photocatalysis. This has been regarded as an ideal, energy-saving and environmentally-benign process for NH3 produc-tion because it can be performed under normal temperature and atmospheric pressure using re-newable solar energy. Although sustainable developments have been achieved since the pioneering work in 1977, many challenging issues（e.g., adsorption and activation of nitrogen molecules on the surface of photocatalysts under mild conditions） have still not been well solved and the photocata-lytic activities are generally low. In this miniature review, I summarize the most recent progress of photocatalytic N2 fixation for ammonia synthesis, focusing specifically on two attractive aspects for adsorption and activation of nitrogen molecules： one is engineering of oxygen vacancies, and the other is mimicking natural nitrogenase for constructing artificial systems for N2 fixation. Several representative works focusing on these aspects in artificial systems have been reported recently, and it has been demonstrated that both factors play more significant roles in photocatalytic N2 re-duction and fixation under ambient conditions. At the end of the review, I also give some remarks and perspective on the existing challenges and future directions in this field.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21763013, 21473189)the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFA0204804)~~
文摘The photocatalytic activity of a semiconductor‐based photocatalyst largely depends on the semiconductor’s intrinsic crystal and electronic properties.We have prepared two types of La and Cr co‐doped SrTiO3photocatalysts(SrTiO3(La,Cr))using the polymerized complex method(PCM)and sol‐gel hydrothermal method(SHM).Under?>420‐nm visible light irradiation,only the Pt‐loaded SrTiO3(La,Cr)prepared by the SHM showed efficient photocatalytic activities for both H2evolution in the presence of an I?sacrificial reagent and for Z‐scheme overall water splitting when it was coupled with the Pt‐loaded WO3in the presence of I?and IO3?as the shuttle redox mediator.The superior photocatalytic activity of SrTiO3(La,Cr)prepared by the SHM has been ascribed to its more negative conduction‐band position,higher carrier concentration,and higher carrier mobility,demonstrating that the design and synthesis of an H2‐evolution photocatalyst with appropriate electronic properties is crucial for achieving Z‐scheme overall water splitting.
文摘As a great threat to all livings on earth,waste artificial plastics now are everywhere,from oceans to our cells[1].The world cannot withstand the growing waste plastic in million tonnes every year,which has already caused environmental pollution and economic losses[2].Besides the efforts for preparing novel plastics with the self‐decomposition ability,methods are needed to clear away these waste plastics leftover from history or recycle well this organic carbon resource[3].Photocatalysis is a potential solution for the conversion of waste plastics under mild conditions.In this perspective,we highlight the effect of photocatalytic approaches toward the generation of low carbon number organic products(C_(n) products,n≤8)from waste plastics,which can proceed under an inert or aerobic atmosphere.Notably,critical analysis of the carbon source in products is necessary to reveal the active species for the C–X bonds(X=C,N,and O)cleavage of plastics.Finally,we outline potential avenues for further development of this emerging field to enhance the yield of C_(n)(n≤8)products from waste plastics.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21633009)Dalian Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars(2017RJ02)the Liaoning Revitalization Talents Program(XLYC1807241)~~
文摘Conversion of alkynes to alkenes by photocatalysis has inspired extensive interest but it is still challenging to obtain both high conversion and selectivity.Here we first demonstrate the photocatalytic conversion of phenylacetylene(PLE)to styrene(STE)with both high conversion and selectivity by using the titania(TiO2)supported platinum(Pt)as photocatalyst under 385 nm monochromatic light irradiation.It is demonstrated that the conversion rate of PLE is strongly dependent on the content of Pt cocatalyst loaded on the surface of TiO2.Based on our optimization,the conversion of PLE and the selectivity towards STE on the 1 wt%Pt/TiO2 photocatalyst can unexpectedly reach as high as 92.4%and 91.3%,respectively.The highly selective photocatalytic hydrogenation can well be extended to the conversion of other typical alkynes to alkenes,demonstrating the generality of selective hydrogenation of C≡C over the Pt/TiO2 photocatalyst.
文摘Copper-indium bimetallic catalysts with a dendritic structure are fabricated by a two-step electrodeposition method using a hydrogen evolution template for the CO2 electroreduction reaction(CO2RR).The dendritic Cu-In-30 catalyst electrodeposited for 30 min shows the highest specific surface area and exposes the most active sites,resulting in improved CO2RR activity.The dendritic Cu-In-30 catalyst exhibits distinctly higher formate partial current density(42.0 m A cm^-2)and Faradaic efficiency(87.4%)than those of the In-30 catalyst without the dendritic structure(the formate partial current density and Faradaic efficiency are 4.6 m A cm^-2 and 57.0%,respectively)at-0.85 V vs.reversible hydrogen electrode,ascribed to the increased specific surface area.The Cu-In-30 catalyst can maintain stable performance for 12 h during the CO2RR.In addition,the intrinsic current density of Cu-In-30 with the dendritic structure(4.8 m A cm^-2)is much higher than that of In-30 without the dendritic structure(2.1 m A cm^-2),indicating that the dendritic structure promotes the CO2RR,possibly due to additional coordination unsaturated atoms.
文摘Although different NbO_(x) units are present in Nb_(2)O_(5)‐based catalysts,the correlations between these structures and activity remain unclear,which considerably hinders the further development of Nb_(2)O_(5) photocatalysis.Herein,we utilized N‐hydroxyphthalimide(NHPI)as the probe molecule to distinguish the role of different NbO_(x) units in the activation of C–H bond under visible light irradia‐tion.With the addition of NHPI,Nb_(2)O_(5) catalysts with highly disordered NbO_(6) units exhibited higher activities than that with slightly disordered NbO_(6) units(419‒495 vs.82μmol·g^(-1)·h^(-1))in photocata‐lytic selective oxidation of ethylbenzene.Revealed by Raman spectra,electron paramagnetic reso‐nance spectra,and transmission‐electron‐microscopy images,highly disordered NbO_(6) units were confirmed to act as the active sites for the transfer of photogenerated electrons from NHPI,pro‐moting the generation of phthalimide‐N‐oxyl(PINO)radicals for the enhanced conversion of ethylbenzene under visible light irradiation.This study provides guidance on the role of local NbO_(x) units in Nb_(2)O_(5) photocatalysis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21422308,21403216,21273231)Dalian Excellent Youth Foundation(2014J11JH126)~~
文摘We present an efficient approach for the chemoselective synthesis of arylamines from nitroarenes and formate over an oxygen-implanted MoS2 catalyst（O-MoS2）.O-MoS2 was prepared by incomplete sul idation and reduction of an ammonium molybdate precursor.A number of Mo-O bonds were implanted in the as-synthesized ultrathin O-MoS2 nanosheets.As a consequence of the different coordination geometries of O（Mo O2） and S（MoS2）,and lengths of the Mo-O and Mo-S bonds,the implanted Mo-O bonds induced obvious defects and more coordinatively unsaturated（CUS） Mo sites in O-MoS2,as confirmed by X-ray diffraction,Raman spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,high resolution transmission electron microscopy,and extended X-ray absorption fine structure characterization of various MoS2-based materials.O-MoS2 with abundant CUS Mo sites was found to efficiently catalyze the chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes to arylamines.
文摘Artificial photosynthetic solar fuels and foodstuffs are an effective and attractive approach for sustaining our society in a green and low‐carbon manner.Although it is a big challenge to develop science and technology of solar energy conversion,solar fuels including green hydrogen and liquid sunshine such as methanol produced via artificial photosynthesis are an important pathway to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the emission of carbon dioxide[1].Artificial photosynthetic systems aim to the efficient conversion of solar energy with water and carbon dioxide into the stable,energy‐dense carriers for chemical industrial supply chains.Furthermore,the advanced foodstuffs,such as biological macromolecules including starch and protein via artificial photosynthesis,will play an important role in animal feed and food industrial feedstock in the future.Therefore,artificial photosynthetic technologies for carbon dioxide conversion and utilization have shed light on the roadmap to move forward to carbon neutrality.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21633010)the National Basic Research Program of China (973 pro‐gram, 2014CB239400)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB01020300)~~
文摘Plasmonic photocatalysis with tunable light absorption has aroused significant attention in so-lar-to-chemical energy conversion.However,the energy conversion efficiency of plasmonic photo-catalysts is impeded by ineffective charge separation and the lack of highly active sites for redox reactions.In this work,the Au nanoparticle size and Au-TiO2 interaction of the Au/TiO2 plasmonic photocatalyst were adjusted simultaneously using a post-calcination treatment.The visi-ble-ight-induced water oxidation activity exhibited a volcano-like relationship with the calcination temperature;the treated photocatalyst at 600°C manifested the highest activity.Characterization with UV-visible spectra,XRD,SEM,and XPS revealed that the effect of the Au nanoparticle size and Au-TiO2 interaction were both responsible for the increase in plasmon-induced water oxidation activity.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDB17000000)the Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences,CAS(QYZDY-SSW-JSC023)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21603224,31470339)the National Key R&D Program of China(2017YFA0503700)~~
文摘Photocatalytic Z-scheme water splitting is considered as a promising approach to produce solar hydrogen.However,the forward hydrogen production reaction is often impeded by backward reactions.In the present study,in a photosystem Ⅱ-integrated hybrid Z-scheme water splitting system,the backward hydrogen oxidation reaction was significantly suppressed by loading a PtCrOx cocatalyst on a ZrO2/TaON photocatalyst.Due to the weak chemisorption and activation of molecular hydrogen on PtCrOx,where Pt is stabilized in the oxidized forms,Pt^Ⅱ and Pt^Ⅳ,hydrogen oxidation is inhibited.However,it is remarkably well-catalyzed by the metallic Pt cocatalyst,thereby rapidly consuming the produced hydrogen.This work describes an approach to inhibit the backward reaction in the photosystem Ⅱ-integrated hybrid Z-scheme water splitting system using Fe(CN)6^3-/Fe(CN)6^4-redox couple as an electron shuttle.
文摘When a proton reduction cocatalyst is loaded on an n-type semiconductor for photocatalytic overall water splitting(POWS),the location of water oxidation sites is generally considered at the surface of the semiconductor due to upward band-bending of n-type semiconductor which may ease the transfer of the photogenerated holes to the surface.However,this is not the case for Pt/SrTiO_(3),a model semiconductor based photocatalyst for POWS.It was found that the photogenerated holes are more readily accumulated at the interface between Pt cocatalyst and SrTiO_(3) photocatalyst as probed by photo-oxidative deposition of PbO_(2),indicating that the water oxidation sites are located at the interface between Pt and SrTiO_(3).Electron paramagnetic resonance and scanning transmission electron microscope studies suggest that the interfacial oxygen atoms between Pt and SrTiO_(3) in Pt/SrTiO_(3) after POWS are more readily lost to form oxygen vacancies upon vacuum heat treatment,regardless of Pt loading by photodeposition or impregnation methods,which may serve as additional support for the location of the active sites for water oxidation at the interface.Density functional theory calculations also suggest that the oxygen evolution reaction more readily occurs at the interfacial sites with the lowest overpotential.These experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the more active sites for water oxidation are located at the interface between Pt and SrTiO_(3),rather than on the surface of SrTiO_(3).Hence,the tailor design and control of the interfacial properties are extremely important for the achievement or improvement of the POWS on cocatalyst loaded semiconductor photocatalyst.
文摘Cocatalyst plays key roles in photogenerated charge separation and surface catalytic reactions in photocatalysis.However,it is not clear if the chemical states of cocatalysts changed or remains unchanged under photocatalytic reaction conditions.Herein,taking NaTaO3 as an example,we systemically investigated the chemical states of nickel‐based cocatalysts during photocatalytic water splitting reaction.It was found that photo‐induced self‐formation of Ni and NiO cocatalyst species take place on the surface of NaTaO3 nanocrystals.The self‐formation of dual‐cocatalysts not only occurs on 26‐facet NaTaO3,but also takes place on a more general 6‐facet NaTaO3.Our work clarified that the chemical states of cocatalysts are changing and the redox dual‐cocatalysts are redistributed on the semiconductor surface owing to the reaction induced by photogenerated charges under the condition of photocatalytic reactions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21790331,21603218)the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA21030400,XDB17020300)~~
文摘The surface modification of metal oxides using organic modifiers is a potential strategy for enhancing their catalytic performances.In this study,a hydrophobic surface amine-modified CoO catalyst with a water contact angle of 143°was fabricated.The catalyst was characterized by XRD,TGA,FT-IR,HR-TEM,and XPS.The results showed that the fabricated catalyst performed better than the hydrophilic commercial CoO nanoparticle in the process of aromatic hydrocarbon oxidation.After the amines modification,commercial CoO also became hydrophobic and improved conversion of ethylbenzene was achieved.The surface modification of CoO with amines induced the hydrophobicity property,which could serve as a reference for the design of other hydrophobic catalysts.
文摘Although photocatalytic water splitting has excellent potential for converting solar energy into chemical energy,the challenging charge separation process and sluggish surface catalytic reactions significantly limit progress in solar energy conversion using semiconductor photocatalysts.Herein,we demonstrate a feasible strategy involving the surface assembly of cobalt oxide species(CoO_(x))on a visible-light-responsive Cd_(0.9)Zn_(0.1)S(CZS)photocatalyst to fabricate a hierarchical CZS@CoO_(x) heterostructure.The unique hierarchical structure effectively accelerates the directional transfer of photogenerated charges,reducing charge recombination through the smooth interfacial heterojunction between CZS and CoO_(x),as evidenced by photoluminescence(PL)spectroscopy and various electrochemical characterizations.The surface cobalt species on the CZS material also act as efficient cocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production,with activity even higher than that of noble metals.The well-defined CZS@CoO_(x) heterostructure not only enhances the interfacial separation of photoinduced charges,but also improves surface catalytic reactions.This leads to superior photocatalytic performances,with an apparent quantum efficiency of 20%at 420 nm for visible-light-driven hydrogen generation,which is one of the highest quantum efficiencies measured among noble-metal-free photocatalysts.Our work presents a potential pathway for controlling complex charge separation and catalytic reaction processes in photocatalysis,guiding the practical development of artificial photocatalysts for successful transformation of solar to chemical energy.
