High Electron Research Articles

Molecular packing tuning via chlorinated end group enables efficient binary organic solar cells over 18.5%

AbstractDesigning novel nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) is of vital importance for the development of organic solar cells (OSC). Modification on the side chain and end group are two powerful tools to construct efficient NFAs. Here, based on the high‐performance L8BO, we selected 3‐ethylheptyl to substitute the inner chain of 2‐ethylhexyl, obtaining the backbone of BON3. Then we introduced different halogen atoms of fluorine and chlorine on 2‐(3‐oxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐inden‐1‐ylidene) malononitrile end group (EG) to construct efficient NFAs named BON3‐F and BON3‐Cl, respectively. Polymer donor D18 was chosen to combine with two novel NFAs to construct OSC devices. Impressively, D18:BON3‐Cl‐based device shows a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.57%, with a high open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.907 V and an excellent fill factor (FF) of 80.44%, which is one of the highest binary PCE of devices based on D18 as the donor. However, BON3‐F‐based device shows a relatively lower PCE of 17.79% with a decreased FF of 79.05%. The better photovoltaic performance is mainly attributed to the red‐shifted absorption, higher electron and hole mobilities, reduced charge recombination, and enhanced molecular packing in the D18:BON3‐Cl films. Also, we performed stability tests on two binary systems; the D18:BON3‐Cl and D18:BON3‐F devices maintain 88.1% and 85.5% of their initial efficiencies after 169 h of storage at 85°C in an N2‐filled glove box, respectively. Our work demonstrates the importance of selecting halogen atoms on EG and provides an efficient binary system of D18:BON3‐Cl for further improvement of PCE.

Heteroatom-doped layered hierarchical porous carbon electrodes with high mass loadings for high-performance supercapacitors

Electrodes with high mass loadings are the impetus for improving the energy density of supercapacitors. However, such electrodes have poor charge and ion kinetics in most cases, and rationally designing them which have high electron and ion transport rates is a major challenge. In this work, a new heteroatom-doped hierarchical porous carbon material, called LPC-2, was developed with longan shell and KOH as its precursor and an activator, respectively, through heteroatom self-doping and architecture design integration, in which heteroatoms of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur were found. Its frequency response was excellent at a scan rate up to 5 and 0.3 V s−1 when the mass loading was set to be 1.0 and 12 mg cm−2, respectively. At a high mass loading of 12 mg cm−2, LPC-2 had gravimetric and areal specific capacitances of 171 F g−1 and 2052 mF cm−2, respectively. The assembled LPC-2//LPC-2 symmetric supercapacitor can complete charge and discharge in 0.4 s, showing a high energy density of 10.8 Wh kg−1 at a high power density of 97.4 kW kg−1 in 6 M KOH. In addition, 99.5 % of the original capacitance was retained after 20,000 cycles at 10 A g−1, which embodies the application value of biomass-derived carbon in supercapacitors.

Research progress of optoelectronic devices based on diamond materials

Diamond has a variety of unique characteristics, including integrates mechanics, electricity, heat, optics and other excellent properties, so that it is widely focus on the field of high and new technology, especially in the optoelectronic technology. Because diamond has the characteristics of high thermal conductivity, high breakdown field (10 mV/cm), high electron and hole mobility, it has a wide application prospect in high temperature, high power and high frequency photoelectric equipment. The wide bandgap (5.47 eV) makes diamond an ideal material in ultraviolet detectors (UV). Its high carrier mobility and breakdown field strength make it an ideal choice for field emission materials, which are expected to be used in high-power electronic devices in the next few years. At the same time, in addition to high hardness, it also has various of excellent physical properties, such as low coefficient of thermal expansion, low coefficient of friction, high acoustic propagation speed and high optical transmittance, so that it has broad application prospects in many fields such as machining, microelectronic devices, optical windows and surface coatings. In addition, diamond also has a high exciton binding energy (80 meV), which plays an important development in deep ultraviolet and high-energy particle detectors. In this article, the latest progress in the application of diamond-based optoelectronic devices is reviewed. A variety of advanced devices and physical phenomena are considered, for example, sensors, transistors, memory, Light-emitting diode (LEDs), ultraviolet detectors and field emission. This review will provide a new idea to promote the development of photoelectric applications based on diamond structure.

Porphyrin and phthalocyanine heavy metal removal: overview of theoretical investigation for heterojunction organic solar cell applications.

Heavy metals are highly noxious, and their presence can cause diverse effects on living organisms and the environment. Crown ether porphyrins and phthalocyanines are known to effectively extract these pollutants and are also used in photovoltaic devices. This study aims to evaluate various factors that govern intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and photo-injection processes, including maximum absorption wavelength (λmax), density of states (DOS), charge transfer dipole (μCT), light harvesting efficiency (LHE), open-circuit voltage (Voc), and free energy change of electron injection (ΔGinj) in order to investigate the performance of different compounds designed from metalloporphyrins for bulk-heterojunction organic solar cell (BHJ-OSC) applications. The porphyrin complex showed the best optoelectronic properties, with remarkable LHE values and CT amounts compared to phthalocyanine derivatives. The central metal played a significant role in optimizing the optical properties of the materials for use in solar cells. HgPr4O and CdPr4O were found to have optimal Voc values, resulting in effective injection, high electron, and hole mobilities, making them ideal materials for highly efficient BHJ-OSC devices. Density functional theory (DFT) approach was employed with the B3LYP functional and the def2TZVP basis set as implemented in the Gaussian 16 revision C.01 program to investigate the designed complexes and to compute geometrical parameters, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), and natural bond orbital (NBO). Furthermore, the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) method was used to analyze the optical properties and photovoltaic characteristics of selected metalloporphyrins by examining the UV-Vis spectra. In summary, the study presents a thorough description of the structural and electronic properties of the investigated complexes and provides insights into their potential use in photovoltaic applications.

Electron-enhanced SiO2 atomic layer deposition at 35 °C using disilane and ozone or water as reactants

Electrons can enhance SiO2 atomic layer deposition (ALD) at low temperatures using disilane (Si2H6) and either ozone (O3/O2) or water (H2O) as reactants. SiO2 electron-enhanced ALD (EE-ALD) was demonstrated at 35 °C by exposing the sample to sequential electron, oxygen reactant, and Si2H6 exposures. The reaction sequence was electron beam exposure for 3 s, purge for 5 s, O3/O2 or H2O exposure at 0.5–1.0 Torr for 3 s, purge for 10 s, Si2H6 exposure at 100 mTorr for 1 s, and purge for 15 s. The electron exposure was an electron current of ∼150 mA for 3 s. The electrons were produced by a hollow cathode plasma electron source typically operating with a grid bias of ≈−300 V. These electrons could irradiate a sample area of ∼2 × 2 cm2. In situ spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements determined that SiO2 EE-ALD films nucleated rapidly and deposited linearly versus number of EE-ALD cycles. The SiO2 EE-ALD growth rate was 0.89 Å/cycle using O3/O2 and 0.88 Å/cycle using H2O. The SiO2 growth rate was also self-limiting at higher electron and Si2H6 exposures. In addition, SiO2 EE-ALD films were grown by changing the reaction sequence or codosing the electrons with the oxygen reactant. The SiO2 EE-ALD films could be grown on conducting silicon wafers or insulating SiO2 films. SiO2 EE-ALD is believed to be possible on insulating SiO2 films because the secondary electron yield for SiO2 at electron energies of ∼100–300 eV is greater than unity. Under these conditions, the SiO2 film charges positive during electron exposure and then pulls back secondary electrons to maintain charge neutrality. The SiO2 EE-ALD films had properties that were comparable with thermal SiO2 oxides. The refractive indices of the SiO2 EE-ALD films were similar at n = 1.44 ± 0.02 for various process conditions and equivalent to the refractive index of a wet thermal SiO2 oxide film. In addition, all the SiO2 EE-ALD films yielded etch rates in dilute buffered oxide etch solution that were only slightly higher than the etch rate of a thermal SiO2 oxide film. SiO2 EE-ALD should be useful to deposit high-quality SiO2 films for various applications at low temperatures.

Anchoring porphyrin self-assembled dye sensitized solar cells: synthesis and photovoltaic application

Anchoring porphyrin, ZnPAc, featuring cyanoacetic acid group has been synthesized for application in a dye-sensitized solar cell. Capping layer dyes zinc meso-tetraphenyl porphyrin (ZnTPP) with anchoring porphyrin ZnPAc through axial coordination bonds of Zn-to-ligand self-assembles solar cell devices. With the introduction of cyanoacetic acid anchor, the higher electrons are effectively injected into the TiO2 semiconductor surface. Thus, the ZnTPP-ZnPAc-based device has more short-circuit current (JSC ) compared with our previously reported ZnTPP-ZnPA-based solar cell. The ZnPA and ZnPAc porphyrin anchoring dyes maintain a broad absorption spectrum and also improve electron injection and lower charge recombination compared to our previous reports on organic molecule anchored dye W3. Hence, the ZnTPP-ZnPAc self-assembled dye has higher power conversion efficiency. The assembled modes were also verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To understand ZnTPP-ZnPAc for photovoltaic performance trends, we have carried out charge extraction, transient photovoltage decay and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis.

First theoretical engineering of robust C-C single bond-based acceptor materials for efficient organic photovoltaics

Organic photovoltaics with prolonged photo stability need further attention from researchers around the world. In this report, a new series of photostable acceptor molecules for possible applications in organic photovoltaics have been presented. In these molecules, a robust carbon–carbon single bond initiates a unique N---S covalent interaction that enhances the photo and thermal stability of the studied designed systems. In this regard, density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) have been employed at different appropriate levels. The position of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) reduces the band gap with maximum charge transportation. Further, the modeled systems have also shown light absorption in the near infra-red (IR) region with easy excitation of the exciton. High electron and hole mobilities towards the respective electrodes are also noted for the studied systems (SSFL-1 to SSFL-4). Finally, enhanced fill factor (FF%) along with high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.36 % is noted in the designed systems.

Non-enzymatic glucose detection using nanocomposite decorated Cellulose-Based field effect transistor - a green electronics approach

Cellulose portrays suitable substrate material for biodegradable, cheaper, and sustainable electronic devices making it an alternative to traditional silicon/plastic materials. Additionally, field-effect transistors (FET) engross huge demand in biosensing applications owing to high amplification factors and work like transducers. Herein, fabrication, and the applicability of an eco-friendly, flexible, nanocomposite-decorated cellulose-based paper FET (PFET) chip, are demonstrated. Having cellulose as a dielectric as well as an active channel layer for depositing nanocomposite materials, and electrodes made of silver (Ag) ink, the as-fabricated PFET brings the concept of green electronics. The device exhibited good electrical and electronic behaviour having high electron and hole mobility (µe and µh) 3641 cm2V-1S-1 and 2436 cm2V-1S-1 in the absence and 8823 cm2V-1S-1 and 9116 cm2V-1S-1 respectively in the presence of glucose. Moreover, when tested for non-enzymatic glucose sensing under physiological pH conditions, a linear range from 0.1 mM to 5 mM with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3 µM was observed. Finally, with satisfactory results, we proved the practical applicability of low-voltage PFET biosensors by measuring the glucose content in commercially available energy drinks and artificial urine samples. Hence, we developed a high-performance PFET chip utilising the circular economy concept with an optimised device structure and sensing techniques. We envisage that the device could enable real-time monitoring of glucose levels in commercially available drinks and diabetic urine samples.

Structural Regulation of Two Polyoxometalate-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks for the Heterogeneous Catalysis of Quinazolinones.

Two dimeric {ε-Zn4PMo12}-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), [ε-PMo8VMo4VIO34(OH)6Zn4][LO] (SDUT-21, LO = [5-((4'-carboxybenzyl)oxy)isophthalic acid]) and [TBA]3[ε-PMo8VMo4VIO37(OH)3Zn4][LN] (SDUT-22, TBA+ = tetrabutylammonium ion, LN = [5-((4-carboxybenzyl)imino)isophthalic acid]), combining the advantages of polyoxometalates (POMs) and MOFs, were synthesized by the one-pot assembly strategy. The dimeric {ε-Zn4PMo12} units act as nodes that are linked by the flexible ligands and extended into two- or three-dimensional frameworks. The cyclic voltammetry and proton conductivity measurements of SDUT-21 and SDUT-22 were performed and indicated the high electron and proton transfer abilities. These materials also e xhibited the catalytic performance for the synthesis of quinazolinones in the heterogeneous state, and the different binding capacities toward the substrates caused the catalytic activity of SDUT-21 to be higher than that of SDUT-22 under the same conditions. In addition, the used catalysts could be readily recovered for five successive cycles and maintained high catalytic efficiency.

Double-layer phosphates coated Mn-based oxide cathodes for highly stable potassium-ion batteries

Manganese rich oxides with layered structure are now being developed as cathodes for potassium ion batteries (PIBs). Nevertheless, poor cycling stability and sluggish electrochemical kinetics have hindered their practical applications. Here, we construct a thin K3PO4/MnPO4 layer, which has high conductivity of both electron and potassium-ion, on the surface of K0.5Mn0.8Co0.2O2 (KMCO) and achieve improved cycling stability and capacity rate when the composite is used as cathodes in PIBs. Comparing to the pure KMCO, the K3PO4/MnPO4-coated K0.5Mn0.8Co0.2O2 (P-KMCO) has higher electron and K-ion conductivity, less surficial oxygen loss and layered-to-spinel-to-rock salt tri-phase transition, and less internal lattice expansion and contraction in cycling, as studied by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and in-situ X-ray diffraction. The synthesized P-KMCO exhibits a highly reversible specific capacity (101.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate performance and stellar capacity retention of 80% after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1 compared to pure KMCO (78.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 with 67.3% capacity retention). The P-KMCO electrode shows also a supreme electrochemical performance when assembled in pouch cells. First-principal calculations imply that the surface modification can effectively prevent TM ions dissolution and oxygen release while cycling. Like those developed in lithium-ion batteries, this work demonstrates that the appropriate surface engineering is also an effective approach to development stable cathodes of PIBs.

Band alignment and photocatalytic activity of monoclinic BiVO4 (0 1 0) and (1 0 0) films with SrTiO3

The crystal plane with the highest electron and hole mobility in a material is very important to physical and chemical properties. Herein, the BiVO4 (BVO) thin films exposed (010) or (100) planes which pointed out as the facets with the highest electron and hole mobility, and formed the interface with SrTiO3 (STO) were fabricated by magnetron sputtering. The band edge offsets calculation results of oriented BVO and STO show that the conduction band and valence band positions of the BVO (010) plane are 0.23 eV higher than those of (100). The average generation rates of H2O2 in BVO(100) are 5.3 × 10−2 and 3.8 × 10−1 µmol h−1 under 440 nm monochromatic light and full arc Xe lamp irradiation, which are 1.8 and 1.6 times higher than those in BVO(010), respectively.

An efficient blue electro-fluorescence material with high electron and balanced carrier mobilities based on effective π-stacking between acceptors

A blue emitter with effective π-stacking between acceptors is developed, which improves and balances carrier mobilities, obtaining higher device efficiency.

Development of a small Time-Projection-Chamber for the quasi-absolute neutron flux measurement

Accurate actinides fission cross sections around 1 MeV are of primary importance for the safety of generation IV reactors. To have accurate measurements, the neutron flux must also be accurately estimated. This is usually done with respect to the 235U(n,f) cross section. It is however possible to measure the neutron flux with respect to the 1H(n,n)p cross section which is a primary standard, providing an independent and precise measurement. Typically, the usual proton recoil technique uses a silicon detector for neutrons of energy between 1 and 70 MeV. However, the high electron and gamma background due to neutron production under irradiation makes the use of this or any other detector not suitable for an accurate measurement below 1 MeV. To this end, the Gaseous Proton Recoil Telescope is developed and characterized. The goal is to provide quasi-absolute neutron flux measurements with an accuracy better than 3%. It consists of a double ionization chamber with a Micromegas segmented detection plane and the gaseous pressure can be adjusted to protons – and hence neutron – energy. The sensitivity to gamma and electrons background, the intrinsic efficiency as well as the resolution of this detector have been investigated.

A computational study of thiophene containing small-molecule electron acceptors for non-fullerene organic photovoltaic cells

During the past few years, researchers have devoted extensive efforts to improve organic solar cell (OSC) performance to reach interesting power conversion efficiencies (PCE) exceeding 10 %. Among heterojunctions OSCs (BHJ) types, Fullerene based small molecule acceptors (SMAs) have proved to be a favorable option in virtue of their high-power conversion efficiency (PCE), good electronic conductivity and superior charge segregation. Yet, they represent some serious limitations, such as low light absorption over 600 nm, solubility in organic solvents, and inefficient processing. Accordingly, the so-called non-fullerene acceptors (NFA) organic group was developed and showed excellent characteristics over fullerene acceptors with their easily tunable band gap, strong absorption in the visible region, low voltage loss, good morphological stability and simple fabrication techniques. In the present paper, a series of non-fullerene electron acceptors (C1–C4) were designed by modifying the reference material R. we have obtained new conjugated organic structures by adding more functional capped units. The quantum chemical study (DFT/TD-DFT) approach was used to perform theoretical calculations in order to characterize the effect of end group redistribution via the frontier molecular orbital (FMO), optical absorption, reorganization energy in accordance with R. Using PTB7-Th as an electron donor, open circuit voltage (Voc), photovoltaic properties and intermolecular charge transfer have been also calculated for all the conceived compounds. The findings revealed that all engineered materials (C1–C4) possess narrow band gap and great optical characteristics. In addition the proposed structures have displayed comparatively lower electron and hole reorganization energies, we have found that C1 represents the lowest electron and hole reorganization energies, respectively 0.048 eV and 0.028 eV, consequently the highest electron and hole mobility [1]. These interesting outcomes could prove proposed electron acceptors to be excellent candidates in the improvement of optoelectronic properties of organic solar cell technology.

A novel approach to enhance CO biomethanation by semi-disaggregation of anaerobic granular sludge

The syngas produced from biomass gasification is a great potential energy resource, which can well be utilized to produce biomass-based substitute natural gas (BioSNG) via syngas biomethanation. CO biomethanation is one of the key issues in the biomethanation process and was studied experimentally in this work with respect to the effect of anaerobic granular sludge semi-disaggregation. The results show 1.07 times higher averaged CH4 production rate with the semi-disaggregated granular sludge than the whole granular sludge at 35 °C, and 1.69 times higher at 55 °C. The main mechanisms behind the enhanced CH4 production rate, especially under the thermophilic condition, are the improvement of microbial interspecific syntrophic association caused by the higher electron and substrate transfer rate, and more active cell growth and metabolism as reflected in higher abundance of functional genes and enzymes and less useless extracellular polymeric substances. The CO biomethanation enhancement occurs in the conversion of the substrate to the intermediate products. The semi-disaggregation of anaerobic granular sludge or similar way to strengthen interspecific association is an effective approach to improve the ability and tolerance of microbial cultures under the CO atmosphere. This technique can well be applied for the energy conversion from the CO-rich gas substrates into BioSNG via CO biomethanation under the thermophilic condition, or for the production of intermediates as fuels/chemicals under the mesophilic condition.

Stability, Electronic Structures, and Thermoelectric Properties of 2D Janus LiZnX (X = N, P, As)

In the framework of density functional theory, we investigated the structure and mechanical properties of Janus monolayer LiZnX (X = N, P, As). The electronic and phonon transport preferences were calculated on the basis of the Boltzmann transport theory. We discovered that the band gaps of these three single-layers are 0.93–2.17 eV, and they are direct band semiconductors. Also, the monolayers exhibit relatively high electron and hole mobilities of ∼103 cm2·V–1·s–1 and ∼102 cm2·V–1·s–1, respectively. Besides, they possess the high Seebeck coefficient (0.16–1.99 mV·K–1), large conductivity (∼107 Ω–1·m–1), and low lattice thermal conductivity (0.52–3.59 W·m–1·K–1). Hence, all monolayers show high thermoelectric properties, with favorable ZT values of 0.36, 0.78, and 1.22 for p-type doping LiZnN, LiZnP, and LiZnAs at room temperature, even up to 0.48–4.16 at 500 K. In general, the monolayer LiZnX (X = N, P, As) are promising for applications in thermoelectric and microelectronic devices.

Pt–Au alloy nanoparticles synthesized by glow discharge plasma for enhanced methanol oxidation reaction performance

AbstractPt–Au alloy is greatly important to direct methanol fuel cells as electrocatalysts given its stability and anti‐COads poisoning ability. Herein, Pt and Au ions are successfully prepared into Pt–Au alloy nanoparticles by glow discharge plasma without a reducing agent at room temperature. The high electrons from plasma accelerate to form intermetallic compounds. The low operating temperature of plasma inhibits the agglomeration of particles. Compared with the samples by traditional hydrogen thermal reduction, the catalytic activity and stability of samples in the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) by plasma are improved due to the stronger metal–metal interaction and smaller size of nanoparticles. The optimal proportion of Pt15Au5/C showed the highest mass activity and specific activity of 1.52 and 6.59 times those of commercial JM Pt/C in electrocatalytic methanol oxidation.

K-doped BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.2O3−δ as a promising cathode material for protonic ceramic fuel cells

Slow oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) involving proton transport remains the limiting factor for electrochemical performance of proton-conducting cathodes. To further reduce the operating temperature of protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs), developing triple-conducting cathodes with excellent electrochemical performance is required. In this study, K-doped BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.2O3−δ (BCFZ442) series were developed and used as the cathodes of the PCFCs, and their crystal structure, conductivity, hydration capability, and electrochemical performance were characterized in detail. Among them, Ba0.9K0.1Co0.4Fe0.4Zr0.2O3−δ (K10) cathode has the best electrochemical performance, which can be attributed to its high electron (e−)/oxygen ion (O2−)/H+ conductivity and proton uptake capacity. At 750 °C, the polarization resistance of the K10 cathode is only 0.009 Ω·cm2, the peak power density (PPD) of the single cell with the K10 cathode is close to 1 Wcm−2, and there is no significant degradation within 150 h. Excellent electrochemical performance and durability make K10 a promising cathode material for the PCFCs. This work can provide a guidance for further improving the proton transport capability of the triple-conducting oxides, which is of great significance for developing the PCFC cathodes with excellent electrochemical performance.

3D Printed Thick Reduced Graphene Oxide: Manganese Oxide/Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Electrode with Highly Ordered Microstructures for Supercapacitors

AbstractHigh capacitance and good rate performance supercapacitors are needed to power sensors and miniaturized electrical devices. Thick electrodes are promising to increase the mass loading of active materials in supercapacitors, but the 3D geometries and microstructures in thick electrodes still hinder the development with high electron and ion exchange rate and accessible active sites. The scaffold 3D electrodes of reduced graphene oxide:manganese oxide/carbon nanotube (rGO:MnOx/CNT) are manufactured by material extrusion 3D printing (ME3DP), where the mass ratio of rGO to MnOx/CNT composites, thickness, and mass loading per unit area are controllable. The increasing amount of MnOx/CNT composites boosts the areal capacitance. Although the rate capability decays fast with the increasing of MnOx/CNT, it remains stable at different thicknesses (1.2, 1.6, and 2 mm). 2 mm thick rGO:MnOx/CNT (weight ratio 5:3) electrode exhibits an area capacitance of 302.13 mF cm−2 at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2, due to the highly ordered rGO networks. Compared to the casted electrodes, the microstructures in the 3D printed electrode contribute to lower resistances for the charge and ion transportation.

A novel TiO2-x/TiN@ACB composite for synchronous photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction and water photothermal evaporation under visible/infrared light illumination

Relatively large band-gap, fast charge carriers recombination, and mono-functionality of photocatalytic materials are still representing stumbling hurdles against their optimal usage for water cleaning. Herein, a novel black titanium oxide/plasmonic titanium nitride@activated coconut biochar (TiO2-x/TiN@ACB) composite was designed to have both photocatalytic and photothermal functions. Intermediate states of black TiO2-x, plasmonic effect of TiN, and high electrons (e−) capacity of biochar enhanced band-gap narrowing, light absorbance extension, and charge carriers separation respectively. Black TiO2-x and plasmonic TiN sensitization via visible/infrared (Vis/IR) portion of photonic spectrum in addition to the confirmed close contact of composite constituents explained the demonstrated major role of e− in photocatalytic mechanism through efficient excitation and facile transfer. Thanks to black photocatalytic semiconductor and carbonic materials for their ultimate photons harnessing and efficient photothermal conversion where the composite exhibited a remarkable photothermal water evaporation upon Vis/IR illumination as well. TiO2-x/TiN@ACB composite revealed 92.8 and 89.7% photocatalytic reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and water evaporation efficiencies up to 92.9 and 51.1% upon IR and Vis light illumination respectively. This study proposes a new approach for efficient water cleaning by coupling of oxygen deficient and plasmonic semiconductors supported on naturally derived carbonic material as a broad spectrum harvester and bi-functional photocatalytic and photothermal material.