Perfect Photon-to-Hydrogen Conversion Efficiency

Abstract

We report a record 100% photon-to-hydrogen production efficiency, under visible light illumination, for the photocatalytic water-splitting reduction half-reaction. This result was accomplished by utilization of nanoparticle-based photocatalysts, composed of Pt-tipped CdSe@CdS rods, with a hydroxyl anion-radical redox couple operating as a shuttle to relay the holes. The implications of such record efficiency for the prospects of realizing practical over all water splitting and solar-to-fuel energy conversion are discussed.

Rational design of CdS@ZnO core-shell structure via atomic layer deposition for drastically enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution with excellent photostability

“…Photocatalytic H 2 evolution from water splitting, which directly converts solar energy into clean chemical energy without pollution, has attracted much attention [6][7][8][9][10][11]. Since the pioneering work discovered by Fujishima and Honda [12], there has been considerable development in the design and construction of highly-efficient semiconductor photocatalysts, such as TiO 2 [13][14][15][16], ZnO [19][20][21], CdS [22][23][24][25][26][27], etc. Among them, due to the moderate band gap of 2.4 eV and the suitable positions of valence band and conduction band, CdS has attracted increasing attention for photocatalytic H 2 evolution from water splitting [28,29].…”

“…Among them, due to the moderate band gap of 2.4 eV and the suitable positions of valence band and conduction band, CdS has attracted increasing attention for photocatalytic H 2 evolution from water splitting [28,29]. However, the high recombination rate of photo-induced carries and serious photocorrosion lead to its limited photocatalytic activity and photostability, which seriously restrict its practical application [20][21][22]. A strategy to simultaneously solve the two drawbacks is to construct a heterojunction with core-shell structure by wrapping CdS core with other semiconductors [30][31][32].…”

Selective Growth of Ni Tips on Nanorod Photocatalysts

“…Such close proximity of intermediates can be promoted by a photocatalyst design that includes only a single cocatalytic site per each segment of the semiconductor capable of light excitation. 16,17 Utilization of complex multi component heterostructure systems that are designed for improved charge separation requires prices control over spatial location of the catalyst. 18,19 In addition, the catalyst size can also play a role in affecting the efficiency.…”

RGO‐ZnSe Photocatalyst towards Solar‐Light‐Assisted Degradation of Tetracycline Antibiotic Water Pollutant

“…This accounts for only 3–4% of the sunlight. Others like CdS and CdSe with narrow band gap absorb visible light. But these contain Cadmium, which itself is an environmental pollutant with high toxicity.…”