Metal Phosphides as Co‐Catalysts for Photocatalytic and Photoelectrocatalytic Water Splitting

Abstract

Solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion based on photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic water splitting is considered as a promising technology for sustainable hydrogen production. Developing earth‐abundant H2‐production materials with robust activity and stability has become the mainstream in this field. Due to the unique properties and characteristics, transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have been proven to be high performance co‐catalysts to replace some of the classic precious metal materials in photocatalytic water splitting. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent significant progress of TMPs as cocatalysts for water splitting reaction with high activity and stability. Firstly, the characteristic of TMPs is briefly introduced. Then, we mainly discuss the recent research efforts toward their application as photocatalytic co‐catalysts in photocatalytic H2‐production, O2‐evolution and photoelectrochemical water splitting. Finally, the catalytic mechanism, current existing challenges and future working directions for improving the performance of TMPs are proposed.

Considerations for a More Accurate Evaluation Method for Photocatalytic Water Splitting

“…The reaction time and photocatalyst mass are the two pivotal factors that are taken into account to calculate the exact H 2 production rate. Generally, for particulate photocatalyst systems, the photocatalytic H 2 production rates are expressed based on the amount of evolved gas per unit irradiation time and the weight of photocatalysts, such as μmol h −1 g −1 or μmol h −1 mg −1 . Similarly, for homogeneous systems, turnover number (TON, number of reacted molecules/number of active sites) and turnover frequency (TOF, number of reacted molecules per second/number of active sites) are commonly used to determine the photocatalytic H 2 production rates …”

A bifunctional CoP/N-doped porous carbon composite derived from a single source precursor for bisphenol A removal

“…Recently, TMPs were reported to be fascinating electrocatalysts for water splitting, co-catalysts for photocatalysis, electrode materials for energy storage, catalysts for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), etc. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] In particular, CoP, Co 2 P and Cu 3 P are highly efficient for organic pollutant degradation through the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) or persulfate (PS) in AOPs. [8][9][10] Typically, TMPs can be synthesized by the direct phosphidation of metals by PH 3 , temperature-programmed reduction of metal phosphates, organic solvent-assisted solution method, solvothermal method, electrodeposition, etc.…”

Recent Advances in Cu‐Based Cocatalysts toward Solar‐to‐Hydrogen Evolution: Categories and Roles

“…TiO 2 , CdS, and graphite‐like carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 )) for an efficient photocatalytic splitting of water into hydrogen. Apart from the above non‐noble metal oxide and sulfide cocatalysts, recently, metal phosphides and carbides were found to be highly active for boosting photocatalytic H 2 O reduction when combined with the host photocatalysts.…”