Design of semiconductor photocatalysts and photocatalyst systems for highly efficient artificial photosynthesis

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19H02819
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 36020:Energy-related chemistry
• Research Institution: Meiji University
• Principal Investigator: Iwase Akihide 明治大学, 理工学部, 専任准教授 (40632451)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 人工光合成 / 水分解 / 光触媒 / 表面修飾

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the present research, we have successfully improved the water splitting activities under visible light irradiation on the basis of the development of photocatalyst materials and the formation of surface reaction sites. In terms of the development of photocatalyst materials, novel doped metal oxides with visible light response were developed. The developed photocatalysts showed activities for overall water splitting with one-step photo excitation which is more difficult than Z-schematic water splitting. In terms of the formation of surface reaction sites, the H2-ecolution ability of metal sulfides was improved by treatment with aqueous solutions and the water splitting ability of metal oxides was improved by treatment with fluxes. Thus, we have developed photocatalysts and strategy for improvement of water splitting activities.

Free Research Field

光触媒

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

光触媒を用いた水分解や二酸化炭素還元は，光エネルギーを化学エネルギーへと変換する反応であることから人工光合成と呼ばれ，持続可能社会およびカーボンニュートラルの実現に貢献しうる科学技術である。本研究課題の成果は，このような人工光合成型の反応を高効率に進めることのできる新しい光触媒の開発について，材料設計および高性能化の手法の確立に貢献するものである。特に，本課題で開発した表面処理による高性能化は，様々な光触媒や光触媒反応に適用できる可能性があり，本研究分野の発展に寄与すると考えられる。