Spontaneous polarization electric field briskly boosting charge separation and transfer for sustainable photocatalytic H2 bubble evolution

Abstract

Fast recombination of charges in bulk or on surface of semiconductors seriously hinders the efficient conversion of solar energy because of the inherent challenge in transferring two opposite charges to redox sites separately and simultaneously. Herein, spontaneous polarization electric field (SPEF) was designed by intercalation coupling In3+ [Kr]4d10 orbit with sp2-hybridized N of g-C3N4. Coupling In3+ ions results in nonoverlapping state of positive and negative charge centers of g-C3N4, forming a SPEF to promote photo-generated charge separation and transfer across interlayers. Much high photocatalytic H2O reduction performance has been achieved as presented by continuously releasing of H2 bubbles. Photocatalytic principle in SPEF was revealed by theoretical study and Hall effect test. This research shows an appliable strategy to construct polarization photocatalysts for efficient solar energy conversion to H2 fuel, which will open up another research hotspot for designing highly efficient photocatalysts.