2023 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Anodized Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr-O nanotubes: Interfacial charge dynamics and solar hydrogen production
| Project/Area Number |
23K04369
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| Research Institution | Tokyo Institute of Technology |
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Principal Investigator |
陳 君怡 東京工業大学, 科学技術創成研究院, 准教授 (90707473)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2023-04-01 – 2027-03-31
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| Keywords | anodization / charge dynamics / photocatalyst / TNTZ / yolk shell structures |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
研究成果の概要（英文）：By performing anodization on Ti29Nb13Ta4.6Zr (TNTZ) alloys,Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr-O mixed-oxide nanotube arrays with controllable geometric features were prepared. Compared with pristine TiO2, the TNTZO photoanodes exhibited noticeably enhanced photoactivity toward solar water splitting. The analytic results manifest that the superior photoactivity of TNTZO originated from the introduction of Nd, Ta, and Zr elements, which enhanced
the amount of accessible charge carriers, modified the electronic structure, and improved the hole-transfer kinetics for expediting water splitting. Furthermore, reducing the water content of the electrolyte to 0.9 vol % generated TNTZO nanotubes that can be fully depleted during photoelectrochemical (PEC) operations.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
1: Research has progressed more than it was originally planned.
Reason
Our research has achieved significant progress in the development of TNTZO nanotubes as visible light photocatalysts. Moreover, we have further advanced our work by synthesizing Au@Cu7S4 yolk@shell nanostructures. Under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, the Au@Cu7S4 nanostructures exhibit pronounced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) absorption effects. Due to the ability of Au to facilitate the separation of hot electrons and hot holes in Cu7S4, Au@Cu7S4 demonstrates excellent NIR photocatalytic activity. Specifically, under 2200 nm monochromatic light irradiation, we have achieved a record-breaking apparent quantum yield (AQY) for hydrogen production, reaching 7.3%. This significant achievement has recently been accepted for publication in the journal of Nature Communications.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
For the future work, the combination of TNTZO nanotubes-Au@Cu4S7 yolk@shell structures is expected to exhibit highly efficient photocatalytic activity under light irradiation. Firstly, the band alignment between TNTZO nanotubes and Au@Cu4S7 can effectively promote charge separation, enhancing carrier utilization and improving photocatalytic performance. Secondly, decoration with Au@Cu4S7 can sensitize TNTZO nanotubes to NIR light, increasing solar spectrum absorption and enabling NIR light activity.
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| Causes of Carryover |
The reason for not utilizing the entire budget can be attributed to the transition of my laboratory to an independent entity starting from the 2024 fiscal year. This transition necessitated the procurement of numerous new facilities, including laboratory benches and fume hoods. Consequently, bfollowing the recommendation of the previous professor, the execution of the research project was shifted to be supported by the funds allocated to the department's senior professors in 2023. As a result, the remaining portion of my research grant was saved and reallocated for use in the 2024 fiscal year.
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Research Products
(12 results)
