Topological Luttinger-semimetal CoAs₃ dye-sensitized photocatalyst for efficient solar hydrogen evolution

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photocatalysis

Background:

• Solar-driven water splitting offers a sustainable route for hydrogen production.
• Current photocatalysts face challenges with low efficiency under visible light and poor long-term stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly efficient and stable photocatalyst for solar hydrogen production.
• To investigate the role of topological properties in enhancing photocatalytic activity.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a dye (Eosin Y)-sensitized topological semimetal (CoAs3) photocatalyst.
• Evaluation of hydrogen production rate and apparent quantum efficiency under visible light.
• Utilized transient absorption spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to understand the mechanism.

Main Results:

• Achieved a hydrogen production rate of 2688 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ (λ ≥ 420 nm).
• Obtained an apparent quantum efficiency of 15.2% at 500 nm.
• DFT calculations revealed CoAs3 as a Luttinger semimetal with favorable electronic properties for electron transfer.

Conclusions:

• The developed topological photocatalyst exhibits enhanced efficiency and stability for solar hydrogen production.
• The unique electronic structure of CoAs3 facilitates efficient electron transfer, crucial for photocatalysis.
• This work presents a promising material for advancing solar fuel technologies.