Defect Engineering in Photocatalysts and Photoelectrodes: From Small to Big

• DOI: 10.1021/accountsmr.1c00201
• Publication Date: 2022-10-11T19:36:23Z
• Authors: Zhiliang Wang; Mu Xiao; Jiakang You; Gang Liu; Lianzhou Wang
• Keywords: Solar fuel

ConspectusGreen hydrogen as a clean energy carrier plays critical role in tackling climate change. Solar-driven water splitting is regarded one of the most promising strategies for green production, but solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency still far from industrial requirement. Defect engineering an effective strategy to enhance performance photocatalysts and photoelectrodes. In crystal, defects range micro- macro-levels, such atomic-scale vacancies dopants, distortion along defective surface, which all influence photoresponse, electrical conductivity, surface properties semiconductor materials. The methodologies creating have been vigorously explored, while accurate identification characterization focused on much less. Moreover, widely reported benefits photocatalytic system may not necessarily cancel out negative spillover effect charge recombination. As Janus-role structure with different influences, defect old, yet complex, notion, in-depth understanding vital toward efficient solar-driven generation.In this Account, we provide overview some typical examples, including atomic anion metal, long-range lattice distortion, macro-range defects. We start our effort explore controllable generation vacancies, oxygen nitrogen metal via post-treatment situ synthesis. A comprehensive especially has discussed. their photoelectrochemical (PEC) process are further then move understand formation mechanism contributions PEC splitting. Finally, discussed based case studies two-dimensional (2D) mesoporous crystalline photoelectrodes.Although significant advances achieved there long way ahead before reaching production target. To inspire innovative improving STH efficiency, following perspectives. First, precise synthesis should be developed control type concentration Second, reliable techniques measurements established make Last least, interaction types explored guide rational design material systems, lead unique synergistic mechanisms promoting solar efficiency.