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Syngas photocatalysis made easy

Researchers have developed a novel photocatalyst system that enables the production of syngas from methane steam reforming under atmospheric pressure. The system harnesses sunlight to split methane and water into hydrogen and carbon monoxide, forming syngas.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 21, 2023

Progress in wastewater treatment via organic supramolecular photocatalysts under sunlight

Researchers developed new supramolecular and polymeric organic photocatalytic systems to enhance light utilization efficiency and mineralization under solar light. The new system combines in situ H2O2 generation with in situ Fenton reaction, achieving high-flux mineralization under visible light without additional oxidants.

BESSY II: Neutralizing electronic inhomogeneity in cleaved bulk MoS₂

The study reveals sizeable variations and instabilities in electron energies for freshly cleaved MoS2 surfaces, but also shows that atomic hydrogen treatment can effectively neutralize these effects. The findings have potential applications in electronics, photonics, sensors, and catalysis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Semiconductor photocatalyst helps to realize borylation reaction

Researchers developed a heterogeneous photocatalytic system using cadmium sulfide nanosheets to realize borylation reactions involving N-heterocyclic carbene boranes (NHC-BH3). The process enables the synthesis of high-value transformations under room temperature and light conditions.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 30, 2023

New type of visible-light responsive photocatalyst is efficient, stable and very economical

Researchers developed a new type of photocatalyst harnessing the visible portion of sunlight spectrum. The photocatalyst achieved high photo-to-chemical conversation efficiency and was found to be extremely stable under various conditions, including high temperatures and different pH levels.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Science Advanced Materials and Devices·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2023

New photocatalytic system converts carbon dioxide to valuable fuel more efficiently than natural photosynthesis

A joint research team from City University of Hong Kong and collaborators developed a stable artificial photocatalytic system that mimics natural chloroplasts to convert carbon dioxide into methane, a valuable fuel, very efficiently using light. The new system achieved a highly efficient solar-to-fuel efficiency rate of 15%, surpassing...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2023

New catalysts for solar hydrogen production

Researchers have developed novel photocatalysts using layered metal-organic frameworks that exhibit improved charge separation properties. These materials are able to efficiently extract charges without structural defects, enabling record values in photocatalytic hydrogen production under visible light.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 19, 2023

Primordial photoredox catalyst

Researchers found a solid deposited from ammonia and methane plasma can catalyze reactions to produce early biomolecules, such as imines, using sunlight. Nitrogen-doped graphite was used as the catalyst in these reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

A better way to create space

Researchers at KAUST have developed a simple technique to create highly porous organic polymers, known as poly(aryl thioether), for applications in photocatalysis and optoelectronics. The material exhibits high surface area and tunable porosity, making it suitable for removing organic micropollutants and toxic mercury ions from water.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 3, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

A novel green photoreactor for the synthesis of desirable chiral enantiomers

A team of Japanese researchers has successfully developed a recycling photoreactor that enables the synthesis of optically pure compounds with high yields, achieving an optical purity of 98-99%. The system uses a two-step rapid photoracemization process and can produce enantiomerically pure chiral sulfoxides in yields higher than 80%.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2023

Internal electrical field modulation in photocatalytic water splitting

Researchers developed a novel method for photocatalytic water splitting by regulating the built-in electric field of nitrogen-deficient polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) on polyhedral SrTiO3. This synergistic approach improves charge transfer and light absorption, leading to enhanced overall water splitting efficiency.

Researchers develop interfacial charge modification strategy to enhance photocatalytic water oxidation

A new strategy has been developed to enhance photocatalytic water oxidation by introducing a charge-transfer mediator. The mediator, partially oxidized graphene, reduces charge recombination and prolongs the lifetime of photogenerated charges.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 8, 2023

Oregon State develops catalyst that purifies herbicide-tainted water and produces hydrogen

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a dual-purpose catalyst that can both purify herbicide-tainted water and produce hydrogen. The catalyst, derived from metal-organic frameworks, shows promise in tackling global water pollution and provides a sustainable alternative to conventional hydrogen production methods.

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

CityU unravels interfacial interactions of the lead-free perovskite for efficient hydrogen production

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a lead-free perovskite photocatalyst for highly efficient solar energy-to-hydrogen conversion. The study uncovers the interfacial dynamics between halide perovskite molecules and electrolytes, enabling better photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2023

Lab lights way to simple chemical synthesis

Researchers at Rice University have developed a photochemical process that simplifies the manufacture of essential precursors for drugs and agricultural chemicals. By illuminating reagents with visible light, they can form diazides in conditions far gentler than current industrial processes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

Catalyzing ‘net-zero’ green hydrogen from the sun: HKU chemists discover a fundamental catalyst protonation process to promote solar-driven water-splitting for hydrogen production without CO2 emissions

Researchers at HKU-CAS Joint Laboratory have developed a protonation process to enhance the efficiency of photocatalysts in generating hydrogen using visible solar light. The discovery could lead to more efficient and stable solar energy utilization, paving the way for 'net-zero' green hydrogen production.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalEnergy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2022

Nanodiamonds can be activated as photocatalysts with sunlight

Researchers have discovered that nanodiamonds can emit solvated electrons in water when exposed to visible light, a crucial step towards using them as photocatalysts. This discovery could lead to the development of inexpensive and metal-free processes for converting CO2 into valuable hydrocarbons or converting N2 into ammonia.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022

Rice lab’s catalyst could be key for hydrogen economy

The new catalyst uses energy from light to convert ammonia into clean-burning hydrogen fuel, breaking the need for heat and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The discovery paves the way for sustainable, low-cost hydrogen production locally rather than in massive centralized plants.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

Photocatalysis: Processes in charge separation recorded experimentally

Scientists have recorded photocatalysis charge separation processes experimentally on Cu2O particles, revealing rapid electron transfer and slower hole trapping, enabling better understanding of photocatalytic water splitting limitations. The technique allows for spatiotemporal imaging of charge transfer in photocatalyst particles.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Holistic evolution of charge transfer to photocatalyst surface sites mapped for first time

Scientists have revealed the complex mechanisms behind charge transfer in photocatalyst particles, providing insights into designing more efficient photocatalysts. The research used multiple techniques to map the spatiotemporal evolution of charge transfers, showing that built-in electric fields and defects can aid in charge separation.

Economical PEF production

A new titanium-based photocatalyst overcomes production inefficiencies in polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF), a biobased plastic replacement for PET. The catalyst increases efficiency by shifting light absorption to the visible range, reducing unwanted byproducts and requiring less UV light.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2022

Boosting performance with a dash of rock salt

Scientists have found a novel structure in bismuth oxychloride, featuring a sextuple Bi-O layer composed of rock-salt and fluorite units, which enhances photocatalytic activity. This discovery could lead to improved hydrogen production material designs.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022

New photocatalytic membrane that can be cleaned using light energy

A new nanosheet-laminated photocatalytic membrane has been successfully developed by Kobe University researchers, demonstrating excellent water permeance and photocatalytic activity. The membrane's photocatalytic properties make it easier to clean, reducing fouling and increasing its potential for tackling global environmental issues.

SourceKobe University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Yolk-shell nanocrystals with movable gold yolk: Next generation of photocatalysts

Researchers developed yolk-shell nanocrystals containing metallic gold yolk with semiconductor shells, exhibiting high photocatalytic activity. The structures were synthesized using a sequential ion-exchange process and evaluated using XPS and PL spectroscopy, revealing electronic interactions favorable for photocatalysis.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2022