Copper Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Stable Hydrogen Production
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current direct photocatalysts for water splitting face challenges such as low quantum efficiency in the visible light range, use of rare and expensive materials, poor stability, insufficient light absorption, inefficient charge separation, and high charge recombination, limiting their effectiveness in hydrogen production.
Innovation Solution
Development of copper-based core-shell nanoparticles with a copper core and a noble metal shell, specifically synthesized through a process involving mixing copper nanoparticles with a noble metal composition and a phosphine at controlled temperatures, enhancing their stability and photocatalytic activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Cu nanoparticles are used as photocatalysts, then cost is reduced and photocatalytic activity is enhanced, but chemical stability deteriorates due to easy oxidation to Cu2O or CuO
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a core-shell composite structure where a Cu core is coated with a protective shell (e.g., SiO2, TiO2, or other stable materials). This composite structure combines the high photocatalytic activity and low cost of Cu with the chemical stability of the shell material, preventing oxidation while maintaining catalytic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies thin film coating technology to deposit a protective layer on the Cu nanoparticle surface. This thin shell acts as a barrier against oxidation and harsh chemical environments, while being thin enough to allow light penetration and charge transfer for photocatalytic activity.
2Quantity of substance
If Cu nanoparticles are used, then earth abundance and cost are improved, but stability under harsh conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By forming a core-shell composite with Cu core and stable shell material, the invention maintains the earth abundance advantage of Cu while adding the environmental stability of the shell material, enabling use in harsh acidic or alkaline conditions.
3Productivity
If direct photocatalysts are used for water splitting, then hydrogen production is achieved, but quantum efficiency in visible light range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The core-shell composite structure combines Cu's strong visible light absorption (via LSPR) with the photocatalytic activity of shell materials, achieving high quantum efficiency in the visible light range while maintaining hydrogen production capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell material is strategically positioned on the Cu core surface to create local active sites for water splitting, while the Cu core provides broadband light absorption. This spatial division of functions optimizes both light harvesting and catalytic efficiency.
4Use of energy by moving object
If plasmonic Cu NPs are used, then light absorption is enhanced, but charge recombination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core-shell composite structure separates the light absorption function (Cu core with LSPR) from the charge separation and catalysis function (shell material). This spatial separation reduces charge recombination by providing efficient charge transfer pathways from the Cu core to the shell, where catalytic reactions occur.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The copper-based core-shell nanoparticles demonstrate improved stability and photocatalytic performance, effectively overcoming previous limitations by maintaining chemical stability under harsh conditions and enhancing hydrogen production through efficient charge transfer and light absorption.
Implementation Method 1
Nanostructured plasmonic metals, such as Au, Ag and Cu, strongly absorb visible light (∼43% of incoming solar energy) in a wide range of the solar spectrum owing to their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR).
Implementation Method 2
Under catalytic reaction conditions or in air, Cu NPs are easily oxidized to Cu2O or CuO, which seriously affects its catalytic performance. Although Cu NPs loaded on graphene or coated with polypyrrole, Ag, SiO2, etc. have been observed with improved chemical stability
Implementation Method 3
Compared to Au and Ag, Cu has a larger electron conductivity and higher earth abundance. These properties make Cu attractive as a low-cost plasmonic material.
Implementation Method 4
Photocatalytic process is a desirable way to efficiently transfer solar energy into usable energy. In particular, solar water splitting can lead to the generation of H2, which is a clean fuel, from water and has high energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a stable copper-based core-shell nanoparticle and its process of manufacture. Further, the present disclosure relates to the use of the copper-based core-shell nanoparticles as plasmonic photocatalysts in photocalysis and hydrogen production.