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2026 Volume 42 Issue 1
2026, 42(1):
Abstract:
2026, 42(1): 100127
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100127
Abstract:
The rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry has led to a surge in demand for lithium products, driving the development of advanced lithium extraction technologies. Among these, electrochemical lithium extraction has emerged as a promising approach due to its superior lithium selectivity towards competing cations (like Na+ and Mg2+), high energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Many works about the faradaic materials, operation modes/parameters, and cell configurations have been published. Although some reviews about electrochemical lithium extraction technology have been published, there remains a lack of comprehensive reviews that systematically summarize advancements of faradaic materials employed in lithium extraction, analyze how their nature affects the lithium extraction performance, and elucidate the relationship between performance-enhancing strategies and their impact on critical extraction metrics. Here, we systematically introduce the principle of electrochemical lithium extraction technologies and all the performance indices reported in the literature, including the lithium intercalation capacity, lithium extraction rate, capacity retention, selectivity factor (or purity), energy consumption, and current efficiency. We present a comprehensive analysis of the reported faradaic materials used to extract lithium, involving LiFePO4, LiMn2O4, layered nickel cobalt manganese oxides, Li3V2(PO4)3, and Li1.6Mn1.6O4, establish the interconnection between their attributes and performance, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each material. Furthermore, we categorize and evaluate different performance-enhancing strategies, including material-design approaches (e.g., 3D structure fabrication, crystal regulation, element doping, and surface coating) and operation-optimized methods in water-flow direction, circuit operation mode, and operation parameters; we further clarify how each method influences specific aspects of electrochemical lithium extraction performance and the underlying mechanisms responsible for these improvements. The industrialization progress of electrochemical lithium extraction technology based on each faradaic material is reviewed, and the cost of these materials is introduced. By establishing a connection between material design, operational optimization, and performance outcomes, this review aims to provide valuable insights for researchers and engineers working on the next generation of faradaic materials employed in electrochemical lithium extraction and to inspire innovative approaches in faradaic material development and process optimization, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective lithium recovery from brines.
The rapid growth of the electric vehicle industry has led to a surge in demand for lithium products, driving the development of advanced lithium extraction technologies. Among these, electrochemical lithium extraction has emerged as a promising approach due to its superior lithium selectivity towards competing cations (like Na+ and Mg2+), high energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Many works about the faradaic materials, operation modes/parameters, and cell configurations have been published. Although some reviews about electrochemical lithium extraction technology have been published, there remains a lack of comprehensive reviews that systematically summarize advancements of faradaic materials employed in lithium extraction, analyze how their nature affects the lithium extraction performance, and elucidate the relationship between performance-enhancing strategies and their impact on critical extraction metrics. Here, we systematically introduce the principle of electrochemical lithium extraction technologies and all the performance indices reported in the literature, including the lithium intercalation capacity, lithium extraction rate, capacity retention, selectivity factor (or purity), energy consumption, and current efficiency. We present a comprehensive analysis of the reported faradaic materials used to extract lithium, involving LiFePO4, LiMn2O4, layered nickel cobalt manganese oxides, Li3V2(PO4)3, and Li1.6Mn1.6O4, establish the interconnection between their attributes and performance, and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each material. Furthermore, we categorize and evaluate different performance-enhancing strategies, including material-design approaches (e.g., 3D structure fabrication, crystal regulation, element doping, and surface coating) and operation-optimized methods in water-flow direction, circuit operation mode, and operation parameters; we further clarify how each method influences specific aspects of electrochemical lithium extraction performance and the underlying mechanisms responsible for these improvements. The industrialization progress of electrochemical lithium extraction technology based on each faradaic material is reviewed, and the cost of these materials is introduced. By establishing a connection between material design, operational optimization, and performance outcomes, this review aims to provide valuable insights for researchers and engineers working on the next generation of faradaic materials employed in electrochemical lithium extraction and to inspire innovative approaches in faradaic material development and process optimization, paving the way for more sustainable and cost-effective lithium recovery from brines.
2026, 42(1): 100128
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100128
Abstract:
All-perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs) demonstrate exceptional potential to overcome the single-junction efficiency limit through enhanced photon harvesting across the solar spectrum and suppressed thermalization effects, achieving theoretical power conversion efficiencies surpassing 44%. Wide-bandgap perovskites solar cells (WBG PSCs) are crucial for tandem photovoltaics, and have witnessed exponential progress during the last decade. However, these devices suffer from severe open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficits, primarily due to interfacial recombination and carrier transport losses. A major contributor to these losses is the uncontrolled formation of insulating two-dimensional (2D) perovskite phases during surface passivation. Here, we introduce 4-hydroxyphenylethyl ammonium iodide (p-OHPEAI) as a multifunctional molecular additive to address this critical trade-off. Unlike conventional phenethyl ammonium iodide (PEAI), which forms the insulating 2D phase and the invert electric field by vertical molecular orientation that impedes charge extraction, the hydroxyl group (–OH) in p-OHPEAI enables parallel molecular adsorption on perovskite surfaces via synergistic interactions between amino (–NH3) and –OH groups. This configuration effectively eliminates the formation of insulating 2D perovskite phase, passivates undercoordinated halide and lead vacancies, reducing non-radiative recombination. Additionally, the polarity of p-OHPEAI generates a dipole moment at the perovskite/electron transport layer (ETL) interface, optimizing energy-level alignment and facilitating electron extraction. By incorporating p-OHPEAI into 1.77 eV WBG PSCs, we achieved a remarkable VOC of 1.344 V, corresponding to a minimal voltage deficit of 0.426 V, which is among the lowest reported VOC-deficit values for the inverted WBG PSCs with bandgaps ranging from 1.75 to 1.80 eV. The optimized device delivered a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.24%, demonstrating superior performance compared to conventional PEAI-passivated cells. When integrated into all-perovskite TSCs, this strategy enabled a champion PCE of 28.50% (with a certified efficiency of 28.19%). Furthermore, the devices exhibited excellent operational stability, maintaining over 90% of their initial efficiency after 350 h of continuous illumination, highlighting the robustness of the hydroxyl-driven passivation approach. The introduction of hydroxyl groups in passivation molecules provides a versatile strategy to balance defect suppression and charge transport, bridging the gap between high voltage and efficient carrier extraction.
All-perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs) demonstrate exceptional potential to overcome the single-junction efficiency limit through enhanced photon harvesting across the solar spectrum and suppressed thermalization effects, achieving theoretical power conversion efficiencies surpassing 44%. Wide-bandgap perovskites solar cells (WBG PSCs) are crucial for tandem photovoltaics, and have witnessed exponential progress during the last decade. However, these devices suffer from severe open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficits, primarily due to interfacial recombination and carrier transport losses. A major contributor to these losses is the uncontrolled formation of insulating two-dimensional (2D) perovskite phases during surface passivation. Here, we introduce 4-hydroxyphenylethyl ammonium iodide (p-OHPEAI) as a multifunctional molecular additive to address this critical trade-off. Unlike conventional phenethyl ammonium iodide (PEAI), which forms the insulating 2D phase and the invert electric field by vertical molecular orientation that impedes charge extraction, the hydroxyl group (–OH) in p-OHPEAI enables parallel molecular adsorption on perovskite surfaces via synergistic interactions between amino (–NH3) and –OH groups. This configuration effectively eliminates the formation of insulating 2D perovskite phase, passivates undercoordinated halide and lead vacancies, reducing non-radiative recombination. Additionally, the polarity of p-OHPEAI generates a dipole moment at the perovskite/electron transport layer (ETL) interface, optimizing energy-level alignment and facilitating electron extraction. By incorporating p-OHPEAI into 1.77 eV WBG PSCs, we achieved a remarkable VOC of 1.344 V, corresponding to a minimal voltage deficit of 0.426 V, which is among the lowest reported VOC-deficit values for the inverted WBG PSCs with bandgaps ranging from 1.75 to 1.80 eV. The optimized device delivered a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.24%, demonstrating superior performance compared to conventional PEAI-passivated cells. When integrated into all-perovskite TSCs, this strategy enabled a champion PCE of 28.50% (with a certified efficiency of 28.19%). Furthermore, the devices exhibited excellent operational stability, maintaining over 90% of their initial efficiency after 350 h of continuous illumination, highlighting the robustness of the hydroxyl-driven passivation approach. The introduction of hydroxyl groups in passivation molecules provides a versatile strategy to balance defect suppression and charge transport, bridging the gap between high voltage and efficient carrier extraction.
Synergistic design of high-entropy P2/O3 biphasic cathodes for high-performance sodium-ion batteries
2026, 42(1): 100129
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100129
Abstract:
P2-type layered transition metal oxides (P2-NaxTMO2) have emerged as promising cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their superior cycling stability and excellent rate capability. However, their practical application is significantly hindered by two major challenges. Firstly, irreversible phase transitions occur during high-voltage operation, which disrupt the structural integrity and deteriorate electrochemical performance. Secondly, their inherently low theoretical specific capacity fails to meet modern energy demands. To tackle these challenges, this study proposes a novel synergistic strategy that integrates high-entropy engineering with a biphasic P2/O3 structural design. An innovative cathode material, Na0.70Ni0.25Mn0.35Co0.15Fe0.05Ti0.20O2 (denoted as Na0.70NMCFT), was successfully synthesized via a high-temperature solid-state reaction. This material design critically incorporates five distinct transition metal cations into the transition metal (TM) layer, constructing a stabilized high-entropy configuration. Careful optimization of both the five TM elements and the sodium content was essential to precisely regulate the synthesis and formation of the desired integrated P2/O3 biphasic structure within this high-entropy host. Comprehensive structural characterization unequivocally confirms the successful construction of this tailored architecture. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) collectively confirm the successful construction of the P2/O3 biphasic architecture. The high-entropy engineering stabilizes the P2 phase through configurational entropy, effectively suppressing irreversible phase transitions and Na+/vacancy ordering during cycling, as evidenced by smoother charge/discharge profiles and ex-situ XRD analysis under high potentials. Meanwhile, the introduced O3 phase compensates for capacity shortages and improves cycling stability, working in tandem with the P2 phase. Critically, the interaction between the two phases enables a highly reversible transition between P2/O3-P2/P3, further enhancing the overall performance. Under the combined action of the high-entropy and biphasic strategies, Na0.70NMCFT exhibits optimal electrochemical performance. It delivers an initial discharge capacity of 102.08 mAh g−1 at 1C, retaining 88.15% after 200 cycles, demonstrating exceptional cycling stability. Moreover, even at 10C, Na0.70NMCFT still has an initial discharge specific capacity of 85.67 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of up to 70% after 1,000 cycles. Kinetic analyses further reveal that Na0.70NMCFT possesses the lowest charge transfer resistance and the highest sodium-ion diffusion coefficient among the materials studied. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the rational design of biphasic high-entropy cathodes can synergistically achieve superior rate capability, cycling stability, and maintain high theoretical capacity. It not only overcomes the key bottlenecks of P2-type oxides but also paves the way for the development of advanced SIB cathodes, establishing a new paradigm for the engineering of high-performance cathode materials in the field of sodium-ion batteries.
P2-type layered transition metal oxides (P2-NaxTMO2) have emerged as promising cathodes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to their superior cycling stability and excellent rate capability. However, their practical application is significantly hindered by two major challenges. Firstly, irreversible phase transitions occur during high-voltage operation, which disrupt the structural integrity and deteriorate electrochemical performance. Secondly, their inherently low theoretical specific capacity fails to meet modern energy demands. To tackle these challenges, this study proposes a novel synergistic strategy that integrates high-entropy engineering with a biphasic P2/O3 structural design. An innovative cathode material, Na0.70Ni0.25Mn0.35Co0.15Fe0.05Ti0.20O2 (denoted as Na0.70NMCFT), was successfully synthesized via a high-temperature solid-state reaction. This material design critically incorporates five distinct transition metal cations into the transition metal (TM) layer, constructing a stabilized high-entropy configuration. Careful optimization of both the five TM elements and the sodium content was essential to precisely regulate the synthesis and formation of the desired integrated P2/O3 biphasic structure within this high-entropy host. Comprehensive structural characterization unequivocally confirms the successful construction of this tailored architecture. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) collectively confirm the successful construction of the P2/O3 biphasic architecture. The high-entropy engineering stabilizes the P2 phase through configurational entropy, effectively suppressing irreversible phase transitions and Na+/vacancy ordering during cycling, as evidenced by smoother charge/discharge profiles and ex-situ XRD analysis under high potentials. Meanwhile, the introduced O3 phase compensates for capacity shortages and improves cycling stability, working in tandem with the P2 phase. Critically, the interaction between the two phases enables a highly reversible transition between P2/O3-P2/P3, further enhancing the overall performance. Under the combined action of the high-entropy and biphasic strategies, Na0.70NMCFT exhibits optimal electrochemical performance. It delivers an initial discharge capacity of 102.08 mAh g−1 at 1C, retaining 88.15% after 200 cycles, demonstrating exceptional cycling stability. Moreover, even at 10C, Na0.70NMCFT still has an initial discharge specific capacity of 85.67 mAh g−1 and a capacity retention of up to 70% after 1,000 cycles. Kinetic analyses further reveal that Na0.70NMCFT possesses the lowest charge transfer resistance and the highest sodium-ion diffusion coefficient among the materials studied. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that the rational design of biphasic high-entropy cathodes can synergistically achieve superior rate capability, cycling stability, and maintain high theoretical capacity. It not only overcomes the key bottlenecks of P2-type oxides but also paves the way for the development of advanced SIB cathodes, establishing a new paradigm for the engineering of high-performance cathode materials in the field of sodium-ion batteries.
2026, 42(1): 100135
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100135
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the necessity of medical masks, and to date, many waste masks have been discarded without being reprocessed, causing environmental harm. PET, a commonly used plastic product, presents certain hurdles to its natural degradation. In this work, waste medical masks were converted into carbon quantum dots (MCQDs) with blue fluorescence emissions using a simple solvothermal process and then doped into BiOBr/g-C3N4 composite material to construct S-scheme heterojunctions for PET degradation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that an interfacial electric field (IEF) was formed between g-C3N4 and BiOBr. The findings demonstrate that the MCQDs, as a cocatalyst for electron transmission and storage, encourage S-scheme heterojunctions to further separate photogenerated electrons and holes. Levofloxacin (LEV) was used as a molecular probe to visually compare the catalytic activities of various catalysts. These catalysts with different photocatalytic activity were then used to degrade PET. The findings demonstrate that the degradation efficiency of PET over the BiOBr/g-C3N4/3MCQDs in seawater is 39.88 ± 1.04% (weight loss), which is 1.37 times higher than that of BiOBr/g-C3N4, and also better than those reported in most of the literature. Free radical capture tests, electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS), and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) experiments uncovered and briefly revealed the key products in the photocatalytic degradation of PET, as well as the relevant mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of PET. The degradation products are expected to become precursors for the further production of polymers and medicines, etc. This study offers fresh perspectives for the creation of innovative photocatalysts for the ecologically benign breakdown of PET, which helps to further lessen environmental damage caused by microplastics (MPs) and enhance resource sustainability.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the necessity of medical masks, and to date, many waste masks have been discarded without being reprocessed, causing environmental harm. PET, a commonly used plastic product, presents certain hurdles to its natural degradation. In this work, waste medical masks were converted into carbon quantum dots (MCQDs) with blue fluorescence emissions using a simple solvothermal process and then doped into BiOBr/g-C3N4 composite material to construct S-scheme heterojunctions for PET degradation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that an interfacial electric field (IEF) was formed between g-C3N4 and BiOBr. The findings demonstrate that the MCQDs, as a cocatalyst for electron transmission and storage, encourage S-scheme heterojunctions to further separate photogenerated electrons and holes. Levofloxacin (LEV) was used as a molecular probe to visually compare the catalytic activities of various catalysts. These catalysts with different photocatalytic activity were then used to degrade PET. The findings demonstrate that the degradation efficiency of PET over the BiOBr/g-C3N4/3MCQDs in seawater is 39.88 ± 1.04% (weight loss), which is 1.37 times higher than that of BiOBr/g-C3N4, and also better than those reported in most of the literature. Free radical capture tests, electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS), and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) experiments uncovered and briefly revealed the key products in the photocatalytic degradation of PET, as well as the relevant mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of PET. The degradation products are expected to become precursors for the further production of polymers and medicines, etc. This study offers fresh perspectives for the creation of innovative photocatalysts for the ecologically benign breakdown of PET, which helps to further lessen environmental damage caused by microplastics (MPs) and enhance resource sustainability.
2026, 42(1): 100141
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100141
Abstract:
Solid solution strategy could improve the photocatalytic performance thermodynamically, yet the study focusing on the carrier dynamics of the solid solution catalysts was equally important. Herein, a series of ZnxCd1−xS solid solutions were successfully synthesized based on band structure regulation, and the carrier dynamics were investigated by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) and DFT, which unveiled a variation of the mixed direct-to-indirect bandgap transition mechanism in ZnxCd1−xS solid solution. The indirect bandgap exhibited a lower photocarrier recombination rate and, more importantly, could also serve as a trapping center for photocarrier, thus promoting the efficiency of charge separation. Consequently, ZnxCd1−xS solid solutions achieved an approximately eleven-fold enhancement in the hydrogen evolution rate (1426.66 μmol h−1) relative to that of bare CdS (129.83 μmol h−1) under visible light (> 420 nm). This work proposed that the enhanced photocatalytic performance could originate from both thermodynamic and kinetic aspects simultaneously, and that the alteration of the photocarrier transition mechanism is one of the main factors affecting the kinetics.
Solid solution strategy could improve the photocatalytic performance thermodynamically, yet the study focusing on the carrier dynamics of the solid solution catalysts was equally important. Herein, a series of ZnxCd1−xS solid solutions were successfully synthesized based on band structure regulation, and the carrier dynamics were investigated by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) and DFT, which unveiled a variation of the mixed direct-to-indirect bandgap transition mechanism in ZnxCd1−xS solid solution. The indirect bandgap exhibited a lower photocarrier recombination rate and, more importantly, could also serve as a trapping center for photocarrier, thus promoting the efficiency of charge separation. Consequently, ZnxCd1−xS solid solutions achieved an approximately eleven-fold enhancement in the hydrogen evolution rate (1426.66 μmol h−1) relative to that of bare CdS (129.83 μmol h−1) under visible light (> 420 nm). This work proposed that the enhanced photocatalytic performance could originate from both thermodynamic and kinetic aspects simultaneously, and that the alteration of the photocarrier transition mechanism is one of the main factors affecting the kinetics.
2026, 42(1): 100144
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100144
Abstract:
Rational design of photoelectric active materials for photoanodes in photocatalytic fuel cells is crucial for developing highly sensitive self-powered electrochemical sensors. Achieving directional migration and shortening transmission pathways of charge in photoanodes remains a fundamental challenge for enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction performance of photocatalytic fuel cells. Herein, tungsten species atomically dispersed on carbon-rich graphitic carbon nitride (W-CN-C) with the N–W–O covalent bond was designed as the photoanode for constructing a self-powered photocatalytic fuel cell sensing of heavy metal copper ions. W-CN-C was synthesized by self-assembly, exfoliation, and thermal-induced treatment process. The N–W–O covalent bonds by anchoring tungsten atoms on carbon-rich carbon nitride served as an interfacial charge transport channel, facilitating the separation and migration of charge carriers. The carbon content increase by forming a carbon-rich structure can enhancep -electron delocalization in the W-CN-C, significantly broadening sunlight utilization range. The dispersed tungsten atoms provide effectively active sites, promoting the kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction between the W-CN-C photoanode and electrolyte interface. The synergistic effects significantly enhance the visible light absorption ability and charge separation and transfer efficiency, improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of W-CN-C photoanode, exhibiting superior oxygen evolution reaction performance, leading to the amplified open circuit potential in the photocatalytic fuel cell system based on excellent oxygen reduction reaction performance of the Pt@C electrocatalyst cathode. The specific identification probe for copper ions was effectively anchored on the W-CN-C photoanode to construct a self-powered photocatalytic fuel cell sensing platform for copper ions detection. The complex formed by copper ions and the probe hindered electron transport at the W-CN-C photoanode, altering the output detection signal of the photocatalytic fuel cell, thus demonstrating a broad detection range spanning five orders of magnitude (2.0 × 10−2–9.2 × 102 nmol L−1), a low limit of detection (7.0 pmol L−1), high selectivity against common interferents, and applicability for detecting heavy metal copper ions in the aquatic environment. Furthermore, the platform allowed for self-powered and portable determination of copper ions using a multimeter as a signal output device, achieving a detection range of 0.25–1.3 × 102 nmol L−1 and a limit of 84 pmol L−1. This work proposes an approach for developing a high-performance photoanode utilizing atomically dispersed metals to introduce covalent bonds as charge transfer channels, paving the way for highly sensitive self-powered electrochemical sensors for environmental monitoring.
Rational design of photoelectric active materials for photoanodes in photocatalytic fuel cells is crucial for developing highly sensitive self-powered electrochemical sensors. Achieving directional migration and shortening transmission pathways of charge in photoanodes remains a fundamental challenge for enhancing the oxygen evolution reaction performance of photocatalytic fuel cells. Herein, tungsten species atomically dispersed on carbon-rich graphitic carbon nitride (W-CN-C) with the N–W–O covalent bond was designed as the photoanode for constructing a self-powered photocatalytic fuel cell sensing of heavy metal copper ions. W-CN-C was synthesized by self-assembly, exfoliation, and thermal-induced treatment process. The N–W–O covalent bonds by anchoring tungsten atoms on carbon-rich carbon nitride served as an interfacial charge transport channel, facilitating the separation and migration of charge carriers. The carbon content increase by forming a carbon-rich structure can enhance
2026, 42(1): 100149
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100149
Abstract:
Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) represent an attractive family of metal-free visible light-responsive covalent organic frameworks (COFs), possessing promising characteristics such as large specific surface area, rich nitrogen content, permanent porosity, and high thermal and chemical stability for photocatalytic hydrogen production via water splitting. Nevertheless, the majority of CTFs are confronted with difficulty in chemical synthesis and generally suffer from low electric conductivity and severe photogenerated charge carrier recombination during photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The hydrogen-evolving performance highly depends on the structure ofp -conjugated CTFs and the synthetic methods, and controlled synthesis of well-defined nanostructures is still highly challenging. In this work, we report the organic acid-catalyzed synthesis of porous CTF nanoarchitectures templated by mesoporous silica molecular sieve SBA-15 with a highly ordered hexagonal structure. The SBA-15-templated CTF-S2 nanorods exhibited a substantial increase in photocatalytic HER efficiency, with an impressive 14-fold enhancement compared to the micro-sized bulk CTF-1 (4.1 μmol h−1). This remarkable improvement in the photocatalytic HER over SBA-templated CTF-S2 nanostructure is attributed to the extended visible light absorption, accelerated charge carrier transfer and the optimized band structure.
Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) represent an attractive family of metal-free visible light-responsive covalent organic frameworks (COFs), possessing promising characteristics such as large specific surface area, rich nitrogen content, permanent porosity, and high thermal and chemical stability for photocatalytic hydrogen production via water splitting. Nevertheless, the majority of CTFs are confronted with difficulty in chemical synthesis and generally suffer from low electric conductivity and severe photogenerated charge carrier recombination during photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The hydrogen-evolving performance highly depends on the structure of
2026, 42(1): 100154
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100154
Abstract:
Hydrogen (H2) production technology utilizing solar energy is an essential strategy for questing carbon-neutral, but designing the optimal heterostructured photocatalysts is one of the great challenges. To date, the self-integration of highly-dispersed black NiO clusters with ZIS microspheres was successfully achieved during the solvothermal process. These constructed NiO/ZIS S-scheme heterostructured composites could provide more active for photocatalytic H2 evolution (PHE) under visible light. The optimal 2-NiO/ZIS showed the best PHE rate of 2474.0 μmol g−1 h−1, highest apparent quantum yield (AQY) value of 36.67% and excellent structural stability. Furthermore, NiO/ZIS composites also exhibited the high PHE rates in natural seawater. The charge separation behaviors of the catalyst were systematically evaluated using advanced spectroscopic characterization techniques, specifically in situ XPS, time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) tested in water and transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS). The experimental analysis and theoretical calculation results elucidated the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism for NiO/ZIS. The promoted PHE activity was ascribed to the combined effect between black NiO clusters and ZIS, which enhanced light harvesting ability, accelerated charge carrier transportation and separation, remained high redox ability, and improved surface reaction kinetics. This study offers the insights into constructing S-scheme heterostructured composites with photothermal effect.
Hydrogen (H2) production technology utilizing solar energy is an essential strategy for questing carbon-neutral, but designing the optimal heterostructured photocatalysts is one of the great challenges. To date, the self-integration of highly-dispersed black NiO clusters with ZIS microspheres was successfully achieved during the solvothermal process. These constructed NiO/ZIS S-scheme heterostructured composites could provide more active for photocatalytic H2 evolution (PHE) under visible light. The optimal 2-NiO/ZIS showed the best PHE rate of 2474.0 μmol g−1 h−1, highest apparent quantum yield (AQY) value of 36.67% and excellent structural stability. Furthermore, NiO/ZIS composites also exhibited the high PHE rates in natural seawater. The charge separation behaviors of the catalyst were systematically evaluated using advanced spectroscopic characterization techniques, specifically in situ XPS, time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) tested in water and transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS). The experimental analysis and theoretical calculation results elucidated the S-scheme charge transfer mechanism for NiO/ZIS. The promoted PHE activity was ascribed to the combined effect between black NiO clusters and ZIS, which enhanced light harvesting ability, accelerated charge carrier transportation and separation, remained high redox ability, and improved surface reaction kinetics. This study offers the insights into constructing S-scheme heterostructured composites with photothermal effect.
2026, 42(1): 100156
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100156
Abstract:
Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) have emerged as promising room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials owing to their tunable luminescence and facile synthesis. However, current strategies relying on hydrogen/covalent bond for luminescence enhancement suffer from limited phosphorescence intensity, and color diversity (primarily green). This work proposes constructing ionic-bond crosslinked network as a novel design strategy to address these limitations. Owing to the high strength, non-directionality and non-saturation of ionic bond, crosslinked networks are constructed to immobilize chromophores and suppress non-radiative transitions. By incorporating lithium ions into poly(acrylic acid)-based CPDs, the photoluminescence quantum yield is dramatically enhanced from 1.1% to 48.4%, with a 40-fold increase in phosphorescence intensity. Further introduction of zinc ions enables tunable RTP emission from green to yellow via transition metal doping. This strategy achieves effective regulation of RTP intensity and wavelength in CPDs, providing a versatile platform for designing advanced organic phosphorescent materials with tailored RTP properties.
Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) have emerged as promising room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials owing to their tunable luminescence and facile synthesis. However, current strategies relying on hydrogen/covalent bond for luminescence enhancement suffer from limited phosphorescence intensity, and color diversity (primarily green). This work proposes constructing ionic-bond crosslinked network as a novel design strategy to address these limitations. Owing to the high strength, non-directionality and non-saturation of ionic bond, crosslinked networks are constructed to immobilize chromophores and suppress non-radiative transitions. By incorporating lithium ions into poly(acrylic acid)-based CPDs, the photoluminescence quantum yield is dramatically enhanced from 1.1% to 48.4%, with a 40-fold increase in phosphorescence intensity. Further introduction of zinc ions enables tunable RTP emission from green to yellow via transition metal doping. This strategy achieves effective regulation of RTP intensity and wavelength in CPDs, providing a versatile platform for designing advanced organic phosphorescent materials with tailored RTP properties.
2026, 42(1): 100157
doi: 10.1016/j.actphy.2025.100157
Abstract:
Although the design of heterojunction piezoelectric catalysts has significantly enhanced catalytic activity, the regulatory mechanisms of heterojunction interfaces on surface potential wells during piezoelectric processes and their impact on carrier migration still lack systematic investigation. This work constructs an enhance interface interaction heterointerface between amorphous FeOOH and Bi12O17Cl2 (BOC) in Bi12O17Cl2@FeOOH through a self-assembly strategy. This strong interfacial interaction significantly enhances interface polarity can substantially suppress the stress-responsive capability of surface charges on BOC (maximum reduction reached as high as 63%–98% of original value). This significantly reduces the depth of surface potential wells during piezoelectric processes, thereby effectively weakening piezoelectric charge confinement while promoting charge transfer. Concurrently, Bi–O–Fe chemical bonds formed at the interface and establish charge transport channels. These synergistic mechanisms elevate the H2O2 production rate to 3.04 mmol g−1 h−1 for participate in the piezoelectric self-Fenton reaction and the removal rate of total organic carbon increased 3 fold (18.6% vs. 55.8%).
Although the design of heterojunction piezoelectric catalysts has significantly enhanced catalytic activity, the regulatory mechanisms of heterojunction interfaces on surface potential wells during piezoelectric processes and their impact on carrier migration still lack systematic investigation. This work constructs an enhance interface interaction heterointerface between amorphous FeOOH and Bi12O17Cl2 (BOC) in Bi12O17Cl2@FeOOH through a self-assembly strategy. This strong interfacial interaction significantly enhances interface polarity can substantially suppress the stress-responsive capability of surface charges on BOC (maximum reduction reached as high as 63%–98% of original value). This significantly reduces the depth of surface potential wells during piezoelectric processes, thereby effectively weakening piezoelectric charge confinement while promoting charge transfer. Concurrently, Bi–O–Fe chemical bonds formed at the interface and establish charge transport channels. These synergistic mechanisms elevate the H2O2 production rate to 3.04 mmol g−1 h−1 for participate in the piezoelectric self-Fenton reaction and the removal rate of total organic carbon increased 3 fold (18.6% vs. 55.8%).
