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Advancements in semiconductor-based interface engineering strategies and characterization techniques for carrier dynamics in photoelectrochemical water splitting

光电化学水分解中基于半导体的界面工程策略和载 流子动力学表征技术的研究进展

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Abstract

The application of solar energy has garnered significant attention for alleviating the energy crisis and addressing environmental issues. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising technology for converting renewable solar energy into chemical fuels. Improving the efficiency of energy conversion is undoubtedly crucial for PEC water splitting technology. One of the primary factors that affect PEC performance is the rate of separation and transfer of photogenerated carriers. In this review, some interface engineering strategies for enhancing the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers in a photoanode are briefly presented. Furthermore, recent state-of-the-art advancements in quantifying photogenerated carrier dynamics are summarized. Our purpose is to help readers understand the latest developments in this field and provide a unique perspective for understanding dynamic hole transfer. Finally, a critical perspective is presented on the significant challenges and prospects for developing characterization methods aimed at studying the separation and transfer kinetics of photogenerated carrier at micro-nanoelectrode interfaces.

摘要

为了缓解能源危机和环境问题, 太阳能的应用受到了人们的广 泛关注. 光电化学水分解是一种极有前景的、可以将清洁可再生太阳 能转化为清洁燃料的技术. 提高能量转换效率无疑是光电化学水分解 技术的关键. 光生载流子的分离和转移速率是影响光电化学性能的主 要因素之一. 本综述简要介绍了一些界面工程策略以增强光阳极中光 生载流子的分离和传输. 此外, 总结了近期在原位量化光生载流子传输 动力学研究中的进展. 我们的目的是帮助读者了解这一领域的最新发 展, 并为理解动态空穴转移提供一个独特的视角. 最后, 我们对发展微 纳尺度电极界面光生载流子分离和转移动力学表征手段中面临的重大 挑战和未来前景进行了展望.

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Acknowledgements

We are thankful to the National Natural Science Foundation of China (22127803, 22222408, 22174110 and 22001193), the Industrial Support Plan of Gansu Provincial Department of Education (2021cyzc-01), the Special Fund Project for Guiding Local Scientific and Technological Development by the Central Government (2020-2060503-17), and the Qin Chuangyuan Innovation and Entrepreneurship Talent Project (QCYRCXM-2022-338).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Water Environment Protection in Plateau Intersection (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Bioelectrochemistry & Environmental Analysis of Gansu Province, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, China

    Shengya Zhang  (张生雅), Peiyao Du  (杜佩瑶) & Xiaoquan Lu  (卢小泉)

  2. College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China

    Peiyao Du  (杜佩瑶)

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  1. Shengya Zhang  (张生雅)
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  2. Peiyao Du  (杜佩瑶)
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Contributions

Author contributions Zhang S and Du P collected and summarized the literature. Zhang S wrote the original manuscript; Du P revised the manuscript. Lu X developed the concept and offered creative proposal for improving the depth and coverage of the review. All authors contributed to the general discussion.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Peiyao Du  (杜佩瑶) or Xiaoquan Lu  (卢小泉).

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Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Shengya Zhang is a PhD candidate at Northwest Normal University. Her research mainly focuses on the mechanism of photoelectrochemical reactions at material micro-nano interfaces.

Peiyao Du received his PhD degree from the Department of Chemistry, Nankai University. She is now a professor at the College of Chemistry & Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University. Her research focuses on electroanalytical chemistry.

Xiaoquan Lu received PhD degree from Sun Yat-sen University, China. He is a Professor at Northwest Normal University. His research is focused on electroanalytical chemistry, energy, and environmental applications of photo(electro)catalysis.

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Zhang, S., Du, P. & Lu, X. Advancements in semiconductor-based interface engineering strategies and characterization techniques for carrier dynamics in photoelectrochemical water splitting. Sci. China Mater. 67, 1379–1392 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40843-023-2819-8

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