Enhancing the photo-driven seawater splitting performance of hierarchical TiO₂ through rich surface hydroxyl and oxygen vacancy design

Abstract

Hierarchical TiO2 nanofibers with enriched surface hydroxyl groups and oxygen vacancies have been synthesized. An assessment of their photocatalytic properties show that the new catalyst has high stability and excellent...

Ruthenium nanoparticles decorated with surface hydroxyl and borate species boost overall seawater splitting via increased hydrophilicity

“…S7, ESI†), which should promote a better electrocatalytic performance and the avoidance of Cl − -promoted corrosion during seawater electrolysis. 27,28…”

“…25–27 Unfortunately, the observation that Ru–OH formation occurs only on the surfaces of Ru oxides suggests that the introduction of stable hydroxyl on the metal Ru cannot be performed by using well-known methods such as steam-thermal treatment and alkaline hydro-/solvo-thermal synthesis. 28,29 From another perspective, it is known that boron (B) can be easily incorporated into metals, and that metal boron doping is an effective method to enhance chemical and structural stability. 30,31 Also, B can couple with hydroxyl groups on metal surfaces to form surface-boronated hydroxyl around the metal nanostructures.…”