Interrupted chalcogenide-based zeolite-analogue semiconductor: atomically precise doping for tunable
Jian Lin1, Youzhen Dong, Qian Zhang
1The Key Lab of Health Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of Suzhou, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou Jiangsu 215123 (China).
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|March 3, 2015
Summary
Researchers developed a novel semiconductor zeolite analog with a unique framework. This material shows promise as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and allows for tunable properties through precise doping.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Integrating semiconductor properties into zeolites offers multifunctionality, combining electronic/optoelectronic capabilities with high porosity.
- Synthesizing semiconductor zeolites with controllable function regulation remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first interrupted chalcogenide-based zeolite-analog semiconductor with a novel boracite-related framework.
- To explore its potential as an electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
- To demonstrate precise control over electronic and photoelectrochemical properties via doping.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a novel zeolite-analog semiconductor with an interrupted framework.
- Characterization of semiconducting nature and band structure using UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky measurements.
- Electrocatalytic evaluation for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized an n-type semiconductor zeolite analog with a new boracite-related framework and specific interrupted sites.
- Demonstrated effective electrocatalytic activity for ORR, attributed to specific indium sites.
- Showcased facile manipulation of electro-/photoelectrochemical properties by replacing indium with bismuth(III) ions.
Conclusions:
- Atomically precise doping at specific interrupted sites in semiconductor zeolite materials is a viable strategy for regulating electronic structure and photoelectrical properties.
- This approach offers a promising route for developing advanced open-framework semiconductor materials.
