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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Synthesis and Performance Evaluations of ZnCoS/ZnCdS with Twin Crystal Structure for Multifunctional Redox Photocatalysis in Energy Applications
Published on: July 25, 2025
Angstrom-scale distance-dependent synergy in clusters via atom-by-atom regulation for enhanced photocatalytic CO2
Haijiao Yin1, Yuting Luo2, Rui Lu1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Centre for Atomic Engineering of Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Material Chemistry of Anhui Province, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China. duyuanxin@ahu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Constructing multi-active-site catalysts with a suitable atomic distance to bring the synergistic enhancement catalytic effect into full play is still challenging. Multi-atom clusters with well-defined, uniform, and controllable atomic configurations and distances provide an unprecedented opportunity. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of atomically precise Pdx supported on TiO2 (Pdx-TiO2, x = 1, 2, 3, and 5) to elucidate the concept of angstrom-scale, distance-dependent synergistic catalysis via atom-by-atom regulation. Benefiting from enhanced light utilization, CO2 adsorption, and photoinduced charge transfer and separation capability, Pd3-TiO2 exhibited the most optimal activity in the pure H2O-mediated photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), with a CO/CH4 yield of 86.09/42.94 μmol g-1 h-1, respectively. The combination of precise structural characterization, ex/in situ photoelectrochemical tests, and theoretical calculations provided in-depth insights into the superior CO2RR activity of Pd3-TiO2. The appropriate atomic distance maximized the interaction between Pd atoms and enhanced the synergistic effect, thereby reducing the rate-determining step energy barrier for CO2-to-CO, as well as promoting the formation of the key intermediate *CO for CH4 generation. This work illuminates a novel avenue to fully utilize the synergistic effect between multiple active sites through atomic spacing adjustment for advanced catalyst design.
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