Spatially Engineered NiAu Heterodimer-Decorated n-Si Photoanode for Efficient Solar-Driven Glucose Oxidation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Sustainable Chemistry

Background:

• Photoelectrochemical (PEC) conversion of biomass is key for sustainable chemical production.
• Inefficient charge carrier utilization limits current PEC technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient PEC platform for solar-driven biomass conversion.
• To overcome charge carrier utilization bottlenecks in PEC systems.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a spatially engineered NiAu heterodimer using a two-step deposition strategy.
• Optimization of the photoanode/electrolyte interface by introducing glucose.
• Coupling the photoanode with a Ru-doped Cu nanowire cathode for unbiased synthesis.

Main Results:

• Achieved a record-low PEC oxidation onset potential of -0.20 V versus RHE.
• Demonstrated unbiased solar-driven synthesis of fructose and ammonia from biomass.
• Successfully suppressed bulk recombination and promoted carrier separation and transport.

Conclusions:

• The developed interfacial-electrolyte coengineering framework enhances PEC efficiency.
• This work provides a generalizable approach for high-efficiency PEC platforms for solar chemical manufacturing.
• Highlights new opportunities for sustainable biomass valorization.