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Synergistic material modification-induced optimization of interfacial charge transfer and surface hydrogen adsorption
Mingyan Du1, Lingling Cui1, Panpan Wang2
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, 450001, P.R. China. xiaolizhang.z@gmail.com.
Nanoscale
|September 13, 2023
Summary
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was modified with nickel doping and fluorinated carbon (FNT) to improve photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The FNT material showed a 33-fold increase in efficiency and excellent stability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising photocatalyst due to its stability and low cost.
- However, its wide band gap and charge carrier recombination limit its efficiency in hydrogen evolution reactions (HER).
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) efficiency of TiO2.
- To address limitations such as high hydrogen adsorption energy and charge carrier recombination.
Main Methods:
- Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were employed.
- Rational modifications of TiO2 were performed using nickel doping and an ultra-thin shield of fluorinated carbon (FNT).
Main Results:
- Synergistic modifications optimized H adsorption and interfacial charge transfer.
- The FNT photocatalyst achieved an HER efficiency of 13.0 mmol g-1 h-1, a 33-fold increase over pristine TiO2.
- The composite demonstrated excellent stability over a 66-hour cyclic test.
Conclusions:
- The FNT composite effectively enhances TiO2 photocatalytic activity for HER.
- The modifications prevent catalyst corrosion and improve charge carrier dynamics.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for efficient and stable photocatalytic hydrogen production.
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