Surface Coating of Amorphous TiO_x Enables Efficient Vapor-fed Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting with Substantial Apparent Quantum Yield

Photocatalytic overall water splitting represents a promising strategy for sustainable hydrogen production. However, photocorrosion and dissolution of photocatalysts and cocatalysts are common concern for the solid-liquid phase reaction. Recently, the above issues could be addressed by Domen and coworkers, when the photocatalytic water splitting was conducted in the presence of water vapor, which dramatically restrain the undesired corrosion of the photocatalysts and cocatalysts. Besides, surface decoration of hygroscopic TiO_x layer promotes adsorption of water molecules and prevents the corrosion process. In addition, vapor-fed photocatalytic water splitting remains considerable apparent quantum yield compared with the liquid water photocatalytic overall water splitting at pressurized condition, which endows great potential in practical application.