Ni-Modified 2D Photocatalyst for Solar H2 Charge Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photocatalysts face challenges in efficient visible light absorption, poor electron-hole separation, and limited hydrogen generation rates, making them impractical for commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of atomically dispersed Ni modified 2-D nanostructured sheets based catalyst mpg-C3NxNi, synthesized via a microwave-assisted method, which enhances charge separation and solar hydrogen generation rates up to 1000000 μmolg−1h−1 under sunlight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional photocatalysts are used, then visible light absorption is limited, but hydrogen generation rate remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a heterostructured composite material combining g-C3N4 (graphitic carbon nitride) with metal nanoparticles (such as Pt, Pd, or Ni) to achieve synergistic effects. The g-C3N4 provides broad visible light absorption with a band gap of 2.7 eV, while the metal nanoparticles serve as electron sinks to improve charge separation and catalyze hydrogen evolution, thereby simultaneously improving both light utilization and hydrogen generation rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metal nanoparticles at specific locations on the g-C3N4 surface to create localized active sites with enhanced catalytic activity. The metal particles are dispersed on the g-C3N4 surface to form heterostructures where charge carriers are selectively directed to these localized regions, improving both the efficiency of light absorption utilization and the overall hydrogen production rate
2Use of energy by moving object
If photocatalysts are designed for maximum visible light absorption, then charge carrier separation becomes insufficient, but stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heterostructure composite of g-C3N4 and metal nanoparticles provides both broad visible light absorption and improved charge carrier separation. The metal nanoparticles act as electron traps that prevent electron-hole recombination, thereby enhancing both the utilization of absorbed light energy and the stability of the photocatalyst by reducing degradation from charge carrier accumulation
3Ease of manufacture
If simple synthesis methods are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but hydrogen generation rate remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-assembly approach where metal nanoparticles are deposited on g-C3N4 through simple hydrothermal or photoreduction methods. The g-C3N4 itself serves as the reducing agent in photoreduction, eliminating the need for additional reducing agents or complex multi-step synthesis procedures. This self-service mechanism achieves high hydrogen generation rates while maintaining synthesis simplicity and low cost
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 catalyst achieves significantly improved solar hydrogen generation and selective CO2 conversion to CH4, offering a robust, cost-effective solution for renewable energy production.
Implementation Method 1
microwave assisted method
Implementation Method 2
maximum visible light absorption
Implementation Method 3
photochemical H2 generation
Implementation Method 4
charge carrier separation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process of microwave assisted preparation of atomically dispersed Ni modified (2-D) nanostructured sheets based photocatalyst mpg-C3NxNi. More particularly, the present invention relates to the drastically enhanced solar hydrogen at the rate from 200000 μmolg−1h−1 to 1000000 μmolg−1h−1 under sunlight by the atomically dispersed Ni modified catalyst mpg-C3NxNi, depending upon its synthesis route without any significant loss in activity. The atomically dispersed Ni modified (2-D) nanostructured sheets based mpg-C3NxNi photocatalyst exhibit good stability, and is cost effective, providing excellent hydrogen generation production rate.