Heterogeneous Supermolecule Aerogel for Ultraexcellent Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

• Published in: Advanced sustainable systems (Online) 2023-04, Vol.7 (4), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Liu, Hai‐Xiong, Huang, Biao, Lin, Feng‐Cai, Hu, Xiao‐Jing, Cai, Lei, Yin, Qi, Li, Xi‐Ya, Lin, Guan‐Feng, Chen, Yan‐Dan, Liu, Tian‐Fu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: aerogels; heterogenization; photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
• ISSN: 2366-7486; 2366-7486
• DOI: 10.1002/adsu.202200465

Developing an efficient strategy for recycling and reusing homogeneous photocatalysts while maintaining high activity and selectivity remains a significant challenge. Herein, a novel heterogenization approach is presented for a homogeneous photocatalyst assembled into a biomass‐based aerogel for photocatalytic performance that can be easily recycled and reused. The efficiency of light harvesting and H2O absorption is considerably higher because of the presence of multihydroxy groups in the aerogel and its high porosity, which further promotes the photocatalytic H2 evolution activity up to 30 mmol g−1 h−1, and 20 mmol g−1 h−1 in the actual sunlight reaction. The industrial application prospect of this approach for solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion is evident based on the facile and simple synthesis strategy, excellent photocatalytic performance, and easy recyclability. Heterogenization of the homogeneous photocatalyst is prepared by biomass‐based aerogel decorated with functional molecules through a simple physical synthetic strategy. The aerogel catalyst exhibits excellent photocatalytic water splitting to hydrogen, reaching 20 mmol g−1 h−1 in the actual sunlight reaction. After photocatalytic reaction, the photocatalyst remains in a block form, and displays high recyclability.