Operando photoelectrochemical analysis of H2O2 photoproduction: differentiating catalytic roles of metal nanoclusters and carbon dot-modified nanoclusters
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) holds great significance in chemical engineering, agriculture, and national defense. However, the underlying influence of interfacial charge dynamics on catalytic performance remains poorly understood due to limitations in conventional characterization techniques. In this study, we employ thiolate-protected gold-silver metal nanoclusters (MNCs) and nitrogen-doped carbon dot-modified nanoclusters (MNCs/N-CDs) as model systems to investigate ORR selectivity and charge dynamics under light irradiation. This catalyst design leverages the self-oxidation behavior of thiolate ligands and the intrinsic ORR selectivity of nanoclusters to establish a clean and well-defined photocatalytic system. By integrating time-resolved transient photovoltage (TPV) spectroscopy and operando transient potential scanning (TPS) test, we demonstrate that N-CDs promote the separation and storage of photoinduced charge carriers, as well as enhance oxygen adsorption and activation on the catalyst surface, thereby significantly improving H2O2 production efficiency. These findings offer new mechanistic insights into the interplay between interfacial charge dynamics and photocatalytic performance, providing guidance for the rational design of advanced ORR catalysts.
Source: Journal of Molecular Science
Authors: Yanyan ZHOU, Zenan LI, Hao ZHANG, Yangbo WU, Fan LIAO, Zhenhui KANG
Institution: Ningbo University
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7083435142