Review Article
Engineering photoautotrophic carbon fixation for enhanced growth and productivity
This review discusses strategies to enhance oxygenic photoautotrophic carbon fixation with a focus on the Calvin–Benson–Bassham cycle.
Photoredox systems with biocatalysts for CO2 utilization
Visible-light driven CO2 reduction and utilization systems involving the photoreduction of NAD(P)+ or bipyridinium salt (viologen)-based electron mediators and biocatalysts are introduced.
Visible-light-absorbing semiconductor/molecular catalyst hybrid photoelectrodes for H2 or O2 evolution: recent advances and challenges
Herein, we review the recent advances and challenges in the field of visible-light-absorbing semiconductor/molecular catalyst photoelectrodes for H2 and O2 evolution.
Proton coupled electron transfer from Co3O4 nanoparticles to photogenerated Ru(bpy)33+: base catalysis and buffer effect
Flash photolysis studies indicate general base catalysis by borate in photoinduced proton-coupled electron transfer from Co3O4 nanoparticles to Ru(III)(bpy)33+.
Communication
Passivation against oxygen and light induced degradation by the PCBM electron transport layer in planar perovskite solar cells
The instability of perovskite solar cells under oxygen and light stress can be alleviated by choosing a suitable device interlayer and device configuration.
Hydrogen evolution with nanoengineered ZnO interfaces decorated using a beetroot extract and a hydrogenase mimic
Herein, we report a nano-hybrid photo-system based on abundant elements for H2 production with visible light.
Synthesis and hydrogen evolving catalysis of a panchromatic photochemical molecular device
The photocatalytic activity of a new broad absorbing osmium–platinum photocatalyst is determined by the choice of excitation wavelength.
Facile and sustainable fabrication of transparent mesoporous IrOx films formed by nanoparticle assembly for efficient electrocatalytic water oxidation
A new transparent mesoporous IrOx film consisting of small interconnected nanoparticles has been developed by a simple drop-cast method to provide an efficient electrocatalyst film for water oxidation.
Solar-light-driven non-bias photoelectrolysis for bleach production from sea water and atmospheric oxygen
Non-bias production of a bleach aqueous solution was successfully demonstrated using a solar-driven photoelectrochemical cell consisting of a metal-oxide-semiconductor photoanode and Pt-based cathode.
Photoelectrochemical-voltaic cells consisting of particulate ZnxCd1−xSe photoanodes with photovoltages exceeding 1.23 V
A photoelectrochemical-voltaic cell consisting of ZnxCd1−xSe photoanodes generates a photovoltage higher than the thermodynamic onset voltage for water splitting, 1.23 V.
Paper
Demonstration of a 50 cm2 BiVO4 tandem photoelectrochemical-photovoltaic water splitting device
Mitigation of ohmic losses and mass transport limitations enables a large area BiVO4-based water splitting device with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 2.1%.
Integration of electrocatalysts with silicon microcone arrays for minimization of optical and overpotential losses during sunlight-driven hydrogen evolution
Microstructured photoelectrode morphologies can advantageously facilitate integration of optically absorbing electrocatalysts with semiconducting light absorbers.
Effective strategy for enhancing Z-scheme water splitting with the IO3−/I− redox mediator by using a visible light responsive TaON photocatalyst co-loaded with independently optimized two different cocatalysts
Dual loading of Rh and Ru-based cocatalysts on TaON photocatalyst significantly improves the efficiency of oxygen evolution in Z-scheme water splitting.
Controlling strategies to maximize reliability of integrated photo-electrochemical devices exposed to realistic disturbances
We numerically investigate the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy by integrated photo-electrochemical (IPEC) devices and assess their response to time-dependent changes in the boundary conditions and the material properties.
Revealing the role of the Rh valence state, La doping level and Ru cocatalyst in determining the H2 evolution efficiency in doped SrTiO3 photocatalysts
A transient absorption spectroscopy study is conducted to correlate carrier dynamics with photocatalytic H2 evolution efficiency in the La/Rh doped SrTiO3 photocatalyst.
Linking morphology and multi-physical transport in structured photoelectrodes
The link between morphology and multi-physical transport was numerically quantified based on the geometry of a photoelectrode obtained by FIB-SEM tomography.
Paper
Photo-electrochemical hydrogen production from neutral phosphate buffer and seawater using micro-structured p-Si photo-electrodes functionalized by solution-based methods
Micro-structured p-Si/TiO2/NiOx allows for efficient photoelectrochemical H2 production from seawater.
Contribution of electrolyte in nanoscale electrolysis of pure and buffered water by particulate photocatalysis
Quantitative description of electrolyte impact is established for nanoscale water electrolysis prevalent during photocatalytic overall water splitting.
Nickel-iron catalysts for electrochemical water oxidation – redox synergism investigated by in situ X-ray spectroscopy with millisecond time resolution
NiFe oxyhydroxides are prime candidates for efficient alkaline water oxidation; their redox chemistry is tracked by X-ray spectroscopy.
Two-electron oxidation of water to form hydrogen peroxide catalysed by silicon-porphyrins
Under basic condition, SiTPyP(O−)2 exerts two-electron oxidation of water to form hydrogen peroxide as the primary product in aqueous acetonitrile, which is initiated through one-electron oxidized process on the electrode with faradaic yield of 84–92%.
Modification of BiVO4/WO3 composite photoelectrodes with Al2O3via chemical vapor deposition for highly efficient oxidative H2O2 production from H2O
Efficient H2O2 production on both the Al2O3/BiVO4/WO3 photoanode and carbon cathode loaded with a biomass-derived cathode without external bias was demonstrated.
Improved water oxidation under visible light on oxyhalide Bi4MO8X (M = Nb, Ta; X = Cl, Br) photocatalysts prepared using excess halogen precursors
Preparation of Bi4MO8X with excess BiOX precursors substantially improved their photocatalytic activity for water oxidation by suppressing the formation of surface halogen defects.
Evaluating spinel ferrites MFe2O4 (M = Cu, Mg, Zn) as photoanodes for solar water oxidation: prospects and limitations
The search for ideal semiconductors for photoelectrochemical solar fuel conversion has recently recognized the spinel ferrites as promising candidates due to their optoelectronic tunability together with superb chemical stability.
Paper
Optimization of a compact layer of TiO2via atomic-layer deposition for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Configuration of the perovskite solar cell and diagram of the mechanism of preparation of TiO2 using atomic-layer deposition.
Evaporated manganese films as a starting point for the preparation of thin-layer MnOx water-oxidation anodes
Physical vapour deposition of Mn metal followed by annealing in air is a promising route to prepare MnOx-anodes for water-oxidation.
Highly crystalline β-FeOOH(Cl) nanorod catalysts doped with transition metals for efficient water oxidation
Highly crystalline Ni-doped β-FeOOH(Cl) nanorod catalysts for efficient electrochemical water oxidation were successfully synthesized by a one-pot ambient temperature synthesis.
About this collection
This collection highlights the fantastic work published by speakers at the 3rd International Solar Fuels Conference and the International Conference on Artificial Photosynthesis 2019, held in Hiroshima between 20th and 24th November 2019.