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Au Single-Atom Interlayer Bridge Promotes Cross-Layer Charge Transport and Intrinsic Catalytic Dual-Sites Activation
Yutang Yu1, Jingcong Hu2, Fang Chen1
1Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education for Geological Carbon Storage and Low Carbon Utilization of Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Materials Utilization of Nonmetallic Minerals and Solid Wastes, National Laboratory of Mineral Materials, School of Materials Science and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China.
Introducing single-atom bridges in layered bismuth oxybromide photocatalysts significantly enhances artificial photosynthesis by improving charge transport and reaction kinetics. This strategy boosts CO2 reduction efficiency in pure water.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photocatalysis
- Artificial Photosynthesis
Background:
- Layered photocatalysts show promise for artificial photosynthesis.
- Performance is hindered by poor charge transport and slow surface reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address limitations in layered photocatalysts using a single-atom interlayer bridge strategy.
- To enhance charge transport and surface kinetics for improved artificial photosynthesis.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of gold (Au) single atoms into layered Bi4O5Br2 to create Au single-atom interlayer bridges (AuIB-BOB).
- Characterization of the atomic structure and coordination environment of Au atoms.
- Evaluation of photocatalytic performance for CO2 reduction in pure water.
Main Results:
- Au single atoms formed covalent bridges, facilitating efficient cross-layer charge transport.
- Charge recombination was suppressed, extending carrier lifetime from 19.5 to 109.7 ps.
- AuIB-BOB achieved a CO2 to CO evolution rate of 58.21 µmol g−1 h−1 without sacrificial agents.
Conclusions:
- Single-atom interlayer bridges are effective for regulating charge transfer in layered photocatalysts.
- This strategy unlocks intrinsic redox sites, significantly boosting photocatalytic activity.
- Provides an atomic-level paradigm for designing advanced photocatalytic materials.
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