Titanium Vacancies in TiO2 Nanofibers Enable Highly Efficient Photodriven Seawater Splitting

Yan Xiang Zhang, Si Ming Wu, Ge Tian, Xiao Fang Zhao, Li Ying Wang, Yi Xia Yin, Lu Wu, Qian Ni Li, Yue Xing Zhang, Jin Song Wu, Christoph Janiak, Kenneth I. Ozoemena, Menny Shalom, Xiao Yu Yang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Photodriven seawater splitting is considered to be one of the most promising techniques for sustainable hydrogen production. However, the high salinity of seawater would deactivate catalysts and consume the photogenerated carriers. Metal vacancies in metal oxide semiconductors are critical to directed electron transfer and high salinity resistance; they are thus desirable but remain a challenge. We demonstrate a facile controllable calcination approach to synthesize TiO2 nanofibers with rich Ti vacancies with excellent photo/electro performances and long-time stability in photodriven seawater splitting, including photocatalysis and photo-electrocatalysis. Experimental measurements and theoretical calculations reveal the formation of titanium vacancies, as well as unidirectional electron trap and superior H+ adsorption ability for efficient charge transfer and resistance to corrosion by seawater. Therefore, atomic-/nanoscale characteristics and mechanism have been proposed to clarify the generation of titanium vacancies and the corresponding interfacial electron transfer.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14202-14208
Number of pages7
JournalChemistry - A European Journal
Volume27
Issue number57
DOIs
StatePublished - 11 Aug 2021

Keywords

  • hierarchical nanostructures
  • photo-/electrodirected catalysis
  • seawater splitting
  • titanium
  • vacancies

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Organic Chemistry

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