Enhancement of hydrogen production using photoactive nanoparticles on a photochemically inert photonic macroporous support

文献情報

出版日 2014-11-10

DOI 10.1039/C4CP04333B

インパクトファクター 3.676

著者

Robert Mitchell, Rik Brydson, Richard E. Douthwaite

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要旨

The propagation of light in photonic materials can be modified to increase the probability of photon absorption. Here we report the synthesis of composite materials comprising a photochemically inert photonic macroporous ZrO2 support decorated with photocatalytically active CdS nanoparticles. The relative energies of valence and conduction bands restrict photon absorption and catalysis to the CdS nanoparticles. The generation of hydrogen from water under visible light illumination (>400 nm) has been studied as a function of the photonic support. A maximum 4.7 fold enhancement in hydrogen production is observed compared to a non-photonic support when the absorption band of the CdS nanoparticles partially overlaps with the blue edge of the photonic ZrO2 stop band. This general strategy supports the independent optimization of optical and photochemical processes to increase the overall conversion efficiency of solar to chemical energy.

掲載誌

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

CiteScore: 5.5

自己引用率: 10.3%

年間論文数: 3036

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP) is an international journal co-owned by 19 physical chemistry and physics societies from around the world. This journal publishes original, cutting-edge research in physical chemistry, chemical physics and biophysical chemistry. To be suitable for publication in PCCP, articles must include significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry; this is the most important criterion that reviewers and Editors will judge against when evaluating submissions. The journal has a broad scope and welcomes contributions spanning experiment, theory, computation and data science. Topical coverage includes spectroscopy, dynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, catalysis, surface science, quantum mechanics, quantum computing and machine learning. Interdisciplinary research areas such as polymers and soft matter, materials, nanoscience, energy, surfaces/interfaces, and biophysical chemistry are welcomed if they demonstrate significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry. Joined experimental/theoretical studies are particularly appreciated when complementary and based on up-to-date approaches.