Photoelectrode Pt-Alloy Catalyst via Photo-Assisted Electrochemical Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing Pt-based alloy catalysts are complex, resource-intensive, and struggle to uniformly modify micro-nano structured electrodes with high surface roughness, leading to high production costs and inefficient resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method for modifying planar and micro-nano structured photoelectrodes using a uniformly distributed Ag—Pt nano-alloy at room temperature without high-temperature annealing, using an electrolyte without precious metal ions, where a photoelectrode with a composite layer structure is treated in an electrolytic cell under excitation light to form a Pt-based nano-alloy catalyst.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chemical reduction and heat treatment methods are used to prepare Pt-based alloy catalysts, then the catalysts can be formed, but the process becomes complex and requires high-temperature annealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional chemical reduction and thermal annealing processes with a photo-assisted electrochemical method. Light irradiation activates the photoelectrode to generate electron-hole pairs, enabling alloy formation through photo-induced electrochemical reactions at room temperature, thereby eliminating complex chemical procedures and high-temperature treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the preparation conditions from high-temperature chemical reduction to room-temperature photo-assisted electrochemical process. By controlling light intensity, electrochemical potential, and irradiation time, the alloy catalyst is formed under milder conditions, simplifying the overall preparation process while maintaining catalyst quality
2Reliability
If Pt-based alloy catalysts are prepared using conventional methods, then catalysts can be deposited, but resource consumption is high and precious metal utilization is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the photoelectrode itself serves as the source of Pt atoms through in-situ dissolution. The photo-induced electrochemical process enables controlled release and redistribution of Pt atoms on the electrode surface, eliminating the need for external Pt salt solutions and reducing precious metal loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recovers and redistributes Pt atoms that would otherwise be lost during traditional catalyst preparation. Through photo-assisted electrochemical dissolution and redeposition, Pt atoms are retained and uniformly distributed on the electrode surface, significantly improving precious metal utilization efficiency
3Reliability
If conventional electrodeposition methods are used, then metal ions can be reduced and deposited, but uniform modification of micro-nano structured electrodes with high surface roughness is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrochemical deposition with photo-assisted electrochemical modification. Light irradiation generates electron-hole pairs that enable uniform catalyst formation across complex micro-nano surfaces through photo-induced reactions, overcoming the limitations of traditional electrodeposition on rough surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves local quality enhancement by enabling uniform catalyst modification across surfaces with varying roughness. The photo-assisted process adapts to local surface conditions, ensuring consistent catalyst distribution and performance whether on planar or micro-nano structured surfaces
4Reliability
If multiple chemical reactions and heat treatments are used to prepare Pt-based alloy catalysts, then the catalysts can be formed, but production costs increase due to reagent consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes multiple chemical reactions and heat treatments with a single photo-assisted electrochemical process. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for various chemical reagents and high-temperature equipment, reducing production costs while maintaining catalyst quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate preparation steps (chemical reduction, heat treatment, alloying) into a single integrated photo-assisted electrochemical process. This consolidation reduces reagent consumption, simplifies procedure, and lowers overall production costs
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
This method allows for the efficient and cost-effective modification of electrodes with arbitrary morphology, achieving excellent and stable catalytic activity and photoelectrochemical performance, with the ability to reuse counter and reference electrodes, reducing resource consumption and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
under irradiation of excitation light, using a counter electrode and a reference electrode to electrochemically treat a surface of the photoelectrode; and performing multiple linear or cyclic potential scans on the surface of the photoelectrode under illumination, wherein during the scans, active metals on the front surface of the photoelectrode are gradually dissolved by an electrolyte, and a Pt-based nano-alloy is formed on the surface of the photoelectrode
Implementation Method 2
active metals on the front surface of the photoelectrode are gradually dissolved by an electrolyte, and a Pt-based nano-alloy is formed on the surface of the photoelectrode
Implementation Method 3
Modification of precious metals on an electrode surface with a specific structure can usually improve charge transfer between the electrode and a solution interface, resulting in a significant improvement in overall electrocatalytic or photoelectrochemical performance of the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a photoelectrode and a preparation method therefor, and a Pt-based alloy catalyst and a preparation method therefor. The method for preparing the Pt-based nano-alloy catalyst includes: placing a photoelectrode in an electrolytic cell with at least one light-transmitting surface and including an electrolyte; using a light source to irradiate a surface of the photoelectrode from the light-transmitting surface of the electrolytic cell, where the photoelectrode includes an active metal layer, a passivation layer, a semiconductor light absorption layer, a rear conductive layer, and an insulating protective layer that are sequentially stacked along the light incident direction; based on an electrochemical workstation and light irradiation, using a Pt electrode and a reference electrode to match the photoelectrode to electrochemically treat the surface of the photoelectrode; and cleaning the electrochemically-treated photoelectrode to obtain the Pt-based nano-alloy catalyst and a photoelectrode modified by the Pt-based nano-alloy catalyst.