Three-Part Nano-Catalyst for Visible Light Water Splitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nano-catalysts for photocatalytic water splitting, particularly those based on semiconductor metal oxides like ZnO and TiO2, have limited absorption in the visible range of the solar spectrum, resulting in unsatisfactory yields and short lifetimes, and their production is complex and costly.

Innovation Solution

A three-part nano-catalyst comprising a semiconductor in nanoparticulate or nanorod form, nanoparticles of plasmonic metal, and an organic photosensitizer, specifically carbo-benzene or carbo-n-butadiene, is developed, where the nanoparticles of plasmonic metal are located on the surface of the semiconductor and coated with the photosensitizer, enhancing absorption in the visible range and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If semiconductor metal oxides (ZnO, TiO2) are used as photocatalysts, then catalytic efficacy is improved due to high specific surface area, but absorption range is limited to UV range only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatalytic efficacyVSAvoidabsorption range

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite nano-catalyst system combining semiconductor metal oxide nanoparticles with plasmonic metal nanoparticles and organic photosensitizers. This composite structure enables the material to absorb across a broader spectrum (visible range) while maintaining high catalytic efficacy through the synergistic interaction of components, each contributing specific functions: semiconductor provides structural stability and charge separation, plasmonic metal enhances visible light absorption, and organic photosensitizer extends absorption to visible range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If conventional nano-catalysts are improved to increase absorption range, then photo-electrochemical efficiency is enhanced, but production becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephoto-electrochemical efficiencyVSAvoidproduction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the photocatalyst system into three distinct functional components: semiconductor metal oxide nanoparticles (providing structural framework and charge separation), plasmonic metal nanoparticles (providing visible light absorption enhancement), and organic photosensitizers (extending absorption spectrum). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the synthesis process by enabling modular assembly of pre-formed nanoparticles and molecules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If conventional nano-catalysts are used, then initial activity is achieved, but lifetime is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial activityVSAvoidcatalyst lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure provides enhanced stability through the semiconductor metal oxide core that maintains structural integrity and chemical stability in aqueous media. The plasmonic metal nanoparticles and organic photosensitizers are anchored to this stable framework, preventing aggregation and degradation. This hierarchical composite architecture protects the active sites while maintaining high initial activity, thereby extending operational lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 three-part nano-catalyst exhibits improved photo-electrochemical properties for hydrogen production via water photo-reduction, with increased absorption in the visible spectrum and extended catalyst lifetime, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

an organic photosensitizer that is a carbo-mer, preferably a carbo-benzene or carbo-n-butadiene

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotosensitization: Photosynthesis

Implementation Method 2

enhancing absorption in the visible range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

nanoparticles of plasmonic metal... enhancing absorption in the visible range

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasmonic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 4

the photocatalytic conversion of water to hydrogen... able to absorb sunlight and to generate charges allowing oxidoreduction of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotocatalysis: Photosynthesis

Data Source

PatentUS11446649B2Three-part nano-catalyst and use thereof for photocatalysis

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 UNIV DE RENNES I

AI summary

Disclosed is a nanocatalyst-type nanoscale composition including a nanoparticle semiconductor, plasmonic metal nanoparticles and an organic photosensitiser of the carbo-mer type. Also disclosed is a method for producing such a nano-catalyst. Also disclosed is use of the nanocatalyst for photoelectrolysis, in particular, for the photoelectrolysis of water, as well as to a power source including the nanocatalyst.