Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Synthesis and Performance Evaluations of ZnCoS/ZnCdS with Twin Crystal Structure for Multifunctional Redox Photocatalysis in Energy Applications
Published on: July 25, 2025
Selective CO Production by Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction in an Aqueous Solution with Cobalt-Based Molecular
Yong Wang1, Yong Zhu1, Licheng Sun1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, DUT-KTH Joint Education and Research Center on Molecular Devices, Dalian University of Technology (DUT), Dalian 116024, China.
Abstract:
Light-driven CO2 reduction was performed in a two-electrode photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) composed of a Co4O4 cubane complex-modified BiVO4 photoanode and a cobalt phthalocyanine complex-modified carbon cloth (cc) cathode. The hybrid electrodes assembled by the simple physical absorption of hydrophobic molecular catalysts exhibit long-term stability in an aqueous solution. Under 1 sun AM 1.5 G illumination, simultaneous oxygen and CO evolution at an approximately 2:1 ratio were achieved in a CO2-saturated NaHCO3 aqueous solution with high faradic efficiency up to 87% for CO production. Control experiments revealed a crucial role of immobilized molecular catalysts in promoting the activity and selectivity for both half-reactions. A solar-to-CO conversion efficiency of 0.44% was realized at a cell potential of 0.8 V, which is the highest efficiency for CO2 to CO conversion in PEC devices based on noble-metal-free materials.
Related Concept Videos
Thermal and Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Overview
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Redox Reactions
Redox Reactions
The Z-Scheme of Electron Transport in Photosynthesis
The Photochemical Reaction Center

