Two-Dimensional High-Entropy Selenides for Boosting Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Performance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Catalysis

Background:

• High-entropy materials (HEMs) exhibit unique properties but face challenges in morphological control.
• Developing efficient photocatalysts for water splitting is crucial for sustainable hydrogen production.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, energy-efficient method for synthesizing two-dimensional high-entropy selenides (HESes).
• To evaluate the performance of synthesized HESes in photocatalytic water splitting.

Main Methods:

• A diethylenetriamine (DETA)-assisted microwave hydrothermal synthesis was employed.
• The synthesized HESes were characterized and tested for photocatalytic water splitting under visible light irradiation.
• The optimized HES composition was identified as Cd_0.9Zn_1.2Mn_0.4Cu_1.8Cr_1.2Se_4.5.

Main Results:

• The optimized HES demonstrated a hydrogen evolution rate of 16.08 mmol h^-1 g^-1.
• A quantum efficiency of approximately 30% was achieved under 420 nm monochromatic LED irradiation.
• Enhanced performance is attributed to increased surface area, improved charge carrier utilization, and favorable Cd-H_ads bond formation.

Conclusions:

• The DETA-assisted microwave hydrothermal method is effective for synthesizing 2D HESes.
• The synthesized HESes show significant potential for efficient photocatalytic water splitting.
• The findings offer insights into designing high-entropy materials for advanced catalytic applications.