Recent Progresses of Polarons: Fundamentals and Roles in Photocatalysis and Photoelectrocatalysis

Abstract

Photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis are promising ways in the utilization of solar energy. To address the low efficiency of photocatalysts and photoelectrodes, in‐depth understanding of their catalytic mechanism is in urgent need. Recently, polaron is considered as an influential factor in catalysis, which brings researchers a new approach to modify photocatalysts and photoelectrodes. In this review, brief introduction of polaron is given first, followed by which models and recent experimentally observations of polarons are reviewed. Studies about roles of polarons in photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis are listed in order to provide some inspiration in exploring the mechanism and improving the efficiency of photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis.

Phenylphosphonic Acid on Rutile TiO2(110): Using Theoretically Predicted O 1s Spectra to Identify the Adsorption Binding Modes

“…This localized distortion of the lattice that traps an electron, is known as a small polaron. 11 Surface-near small polarons can critically affect the adsorption of molecules on the rutile TiO 2 (110) surface, as has been shown for the adsorption of molecular oxygen, 12 carbon monoxide 13 or water. 14 However, small polarons can also be repelled or attracted by an adsorbate, as has been suggested in a recent study of the adsorption of formic and acetic acid on rutile TiO 2 (110).…”

“…The Ti 3+ ion created can be physically separated from the oxygen vacancy, titanium interstitial or impurity that created it. This localized distortion of the lattice that traps an electron, is known as a small polaron …”

Advancements in bifunctional catalysts for unitized regenerative fuel cells: exploring polaronic conduction and heterostructure designs

“…Polaronic conduction involves a charge transport mechanism where charge carriers, typically electrons, are accompanied by localized distortions or lattice deformations in the material's crystal structure. In bifunctional catalysts, polaronic conduction substantially enhances performance by promoting efficient charge transfer, reducing overpotentials, improving stability, and influencing selectivity [5]. These factors are crucial for the successful operation of bifunctional catalysts in applications such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and other electrochemical processes.…”

Discovery and Manipulation of van der Waals Polarons in Sb2O3 Ultrathin Molecular Crystal

“…Polarons, comprised of electrons stabilized by local lattice distortion through electron–phonon coupling, , offer an ideal medium for the manipulation of single electrons. , In particular, small polaron, localized by confined short-range electron–phonon coupling, , induces local lattice distortions typically in sizes of one atomic lattice period, enabling its manipulation onto desired locations with atomic precision. Polarons play a significant role in various areas of chemistry, influencing charge transport, redox reactions, catalysis, molecular structure, and energy storage. ,,− Thus, studying single polarons, apart from controlling single electrons, is also pivotal for understanding the mechanism governing the aforementioned chemical processes.…”