Cs3Bi2I9 nanodiscs with phase and Bi(iii) state stability under reductive potential or illumination for H2 generation from diluted aqueous HI

Abstract

The increasingly popular, lead-free perovskite, Cs₃Bi₂I₉ has a vulnerable Bi³⁺ state under reductive potentials, due to the high standard reduction potential of Bi³⁺/Bi^δ+ (0 < δ < 3). Contrary to this fundamental understanding, herein, ligand-coated Cs₃Bi₂I₉ nanodiscs (NDs) demonstrate outstanding electrochemical stability with up to −1 V versus a saturated calomel electrode in aqueous 0.63 M (5% v/v) and 6.34 M (50% v/v) hydroiodic acid (HI), with a minor BiI₃ fraction due to the unavoidable partial aqueous disintegration of the perovskite phase after 8 and 16 h, respectively. A dynamic equilibrium of saturated 0.005 M NDs maintains the common ion effect of I⁻, and remarkably stabilizes ∼93% Bi³⁺ in 0.63 M HI under a strong reductive potential. In comparison, the hexagonal phase of bulk Cs₃Bi₂I₉ disintegrates considerably in the semi-aqueous media. Lowering the concentration of synthetic HI from the commonly used ∼50% v/v by elevating the pH from −0.8 to 0.2 helps in reducing the cost per unit of H₂ production. Our Cs₃Bi₂I₉ NDs with a hexagonal lattice have 4–6 (002) planes stacked along the c-axis. With 0.005 M photostable NDs, 22.5 μmol h⁻¹ H₂ is photochemically obtained within 8 h in a 6.34 M HI solution. Electrocatalytic H₂ evolution occurs with a turnover frequency of 11.7 H₂ per s at −533 mV and outstanding operational stability for more than 20 h.