Low-Dimensional Semiconductors in Artificial Photosynthesis: An Outlook for the Interactions between Particles/Quasiparticles

Abstract

By virtue of their intriguing electronic structures and excellent surface properties, low-dimensional semiconductors hold great promise in the field of solar-driven artificial photosynthesis. However, owing to promoted structural confinement and reduced Coulomb screening, remarkable interactions between particles/quasiparticles, including electrons, holes, phonons, and excitons, can be expected in low-dimensional semiconductors, which endow the systems with distinctive excited-state properties that are distinctly different from those in the bulk counterparts. Consequently, these interactions determine not only the mechanisms but also quantum yields of photosynthetic energy utilization. In this Outlook, we review recent advances in studying the unique interactions in low-dimensional semiconductor-based photocatalysts. By highlighting the relevance of different interactions to excited-state properties, we describe the impacts of the interactions on photosynthetic energy conversion. Furthermore, we summarize the regulation of these interactions for gaining optimized photosynthetic behaviors, where the relationships between these interactions and structural factors/external fields are elaborated. Additionally, the challenges and opportunities in studying the interaction-related photosynthesis are discussed.

Kondo resonance effects in emergent flat band materials

“…The reduced dimensionality of the QD enables the occurrence of few-level systems with strong non-linear features akin to those that occur in the process of energy conversion. This facile process can lead to the formation of polarons, excitons or plasmons, etc as the quasiparticles that play major roles in the energy conversion using a photovoltaic [115,116], optoelectronic [117,118], excitonic [119,120] or photonic [121,122] device. These analyses suggest that a suitable device can be designed to implement the weak or moderate couplings of the QD to specific bosonic (i.e., quasiparticle) modes, which is realizable in practice with the single photon coupling mode at minimized dissipation [103].…”

A critical review on emerging photocatalysts for syngas generation via CO2 reduction under aqueous media: a sustainable paradigm

“…88 In addition, renewable and sustainable technology has attracted much consideration because photocatalytic reactions are generally carried out at low temperatures, normal pressure and without the requirement of high input energy. 90 Therefore, leading research in the field of photocatalysis is accompanied by an impressive and mammoth number of publications.…”

Nanomaterials for enhancing photosynthesis: interaction with plant photosystems and scope of nanobionics in agriculture

“…54 The emerging artificial photosynthesis systems involve strategies to use semiconductors as an alternative to improve the photosynthesis process. 55 However, the efficiency often depends upon the purity of semiconductors, which are expensive and degrade due to prolonged usage in an electrolyte solution and are devoid of any self-repair mechanism. 49 Metal oxides, nitrides or sulfides are the most common photocatalytic semiconductors.…”