Electron Coupling between the Linear-Conjugated Polymer Nanocluster and TiO2Nanoparticle Enables a Quantum Leap for Visible Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution
Journal
Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Journal Volume
126
Journal Issue
44
Start Page
18596
End Page
18604
ISSN
19327447
Date Issued
2022
Author(s)
Bhalothia, Dinesh
Wang, Zan-Xiang
Ting, Li-Yu
Chuang, Yung-Tang
Lin, Hao-Wu
Tseng, Fan-Gang
Chou, Ho-Hsiu
Chen, Tsan-Yao
Abstract
Considering the futuristic importance of hydrogen for the production of sustainable fuels; in this study, we developed an organic-inorganic hybrid semiconductor material comprising a heterogeneous interface between linear-conjugated polymers (PF3T) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (denoted as PF3T@TiO2) for visible light-driven hydrogen production via water splitting. The as-developed PF3T@TiO2composite exhibits a strong electron coupling between the terthiophene groups of PF3T and the oxygen atoms at the heterogeneous interface. Such a phenomenon induces an electron injection to TiO2and effectively extends the lifetime of the photogenerated carriers of PF3T by several orders. Consequently, as compared to PF3T, the H2production yield of PF3T@TiO2is improved by 36-fold (11,783 μmol g-1h-1), which outperforms all the existing hybrid materials in similar configurations. We envision current findings to be a strong foundation for further exploration of noble-metal free materials for photocatalytic hydrogen production. © 2022 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Type
journal article