Abstract

Highly efficient charge separation has been demonstrated as one of the most significant steps playing decisive roles in enhancing the overall efficiency of photoelectrochemical (PEC) processes. In this study, by employing 5,10,15,20-tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin-Ni (NiTCPP) as a prototype, an oxygen vacancy (Vo)-mediated reverse regulation strategy is proposed for tuning hole transfer, which in turn can accelerate the transport of electrons and thus enhancing charge separation. The optimal NiO/NiTCPP system exhibits much higher (≈40 times) photocurrent and longer (≈13 times) lifetime of charge carriers compared with those of pure NiTCPP. Furthermore, the electron transfer kinetic rate constant (Keff ) is quantitatively determined by an efficient scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy (SPECM). The Keff of the optimal system has a 5.7-fold improvement. In addition, the similar enhancement in charge separation from other semiconductors (CoTCPP and FeTCPP) are also observed, indicating that the Vo-mediated reverse regulation strategy is a promising pathway for tuning the properties of light harvesters in solar energy conversion.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.