Efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with ligand engineered all-inorganic InP and InP/ZnS colloidal quantum dots

Shan Yu, Xiang-Bing Fan, Xian Wang, Jingguo Li, Qian Zhang, Andong Xia, Shiqian Wei, Li-Zhu Wu (), Ying Zhou () and Greta R. Patzke ()
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Shan Yu: Southwest Petroleum University
Xiang-Bing Fan: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xian Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jingguo Li: University of Zurich
Qian Zhang: Southwest Petroleum University
Andong Xia: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Shiqian Wei: Southwest Petroleum University
Li-Zhu Wu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ying Zhou: Southwest Petroleum University
Greta R. Patzke: University of Zurich

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution is a promising technique for the direct conversion of solar energy into chemical fuels. Colloidal quantum dots with tunable band gap and versatile surface properties remain among the most prominent targets in photocatalysis despite their frequent toxicity, which is detrimental for environmentally friendly technological implementations. In the present work, all-inorganic sulfide-capped InP and InP/ZnS quantum dots are introduced as competitive and far less toxic alternatives for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution in aqueous solution, reaching turnover numbers up to 128,000 based on quantum dots with a maximum internal quantum yield of 31%. In addition to the favorable band gap of InP quantum dots, in-depth studies show that the high efficiency also arises from successful ligand engineering with sulfide ions. Due to their small size and outstanding hole capture properties, sulfide ions effectively extract holes from quantum dots for exciton separation and decrease the physical and electrical barriers for charge transfer.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06294-y

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