Solar light driven atomic and electronic transformations in a plasmonic Ni@NiO/NiCO photocatalyst revealed by ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

This work employs ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS) to delve into the atomic and electronic transformations of a core-shell Ni@NiO/NiCO photocatalyst - a model system for visible light active plasmonic photocatalysts used in water splitting for hydrogen production. This catalyst exhibits reversible structural and electronic changes in response to water vapor and solar simulator light. In this study, APXPS spectra were obtained under a 1 millibar water vapor pressure, employing a solar simulator with an AM 1.

Hierarchical nickel carbonate hydroxide nanostructures for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water splitting.

Metal carbonate hydroxides have emerged as novel and promising candidates for water splitting due to their good electrochemical properties and eco-friendly features. In this study, the hierarchical mesoporous structure of nickel carbonate hydroxide hydrate (Ni(CO)(OH)·4HO) was synthesized by a one-pot facile hydrothermal method. It demonstrated photocatalytic properties for the first time, exhibiting a hydrogen evolution reaction yield of 10 μmol g h under white light irradiation with a nominal power of 0.

Flexible nanosheets for plasmonic photocatalysis: microwave-assisted organic synthesis of Ni-NiO@NiCO(OH) core-shell@sheet hybrid nanostructures.

Visible light-active nickel-based plasmonic photocatalysts provide a cost-effective alternative to noble metals. However, their rarity, fragility, and limited understanding pose challenges. This work presents a microwave-assisted organic synthesis of a Ni-NiO@NiCO(OH) core-shell@sheet plasmonic photocatalyst.

Advanced research trends in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an efficient photovoltaic technology for powering electronic applications such as wireless sensors with indoor light. Their low cost and abundant materials, as well as their capability to be manufactured as thin and light-weight flexible solar modules highlight their potential for economic indoor photovoltaics. However, their fabrication methods must be scaled to industrial manufacturing with high photovoltaic efficiency and performance stability under typical indoor conditions.

Surface plasmon-driven photocatalytic activity of Ni@NiO/NiCO core-shell nanostructures.

Ni@NiO/NiCO core-shell nanostructures have been investigated for surface plasmon driven photocatalytic solar H generation without any co-catalyst. Huge variation in the photocatalytic activity has been observed in the pristine post-vacuum annealed samples with the maximum H yield (∼110 μmol g h) for the vacuum annealed sample (N70-100/2 h) compared to ∼92 μmol g h for the pristine (N70) photocatalyst. Thorough structural (X-ray diffraction) and spectroscopic (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy coupled electron energy loss spectroscopy) investigations reveal the core Ni nanoparticle decorated with the shell, a composite of crystalline NiO and amorphous NiCO.

Harnessing photo/electro-catalytic activity nano-junctions in ternary nanocomposites for clean energy.

Though solar energy availability is predicted for centuries, the diurnal and asymmetrical nature of the sun across the globe presents significant challenges in terms of harvesting sunlight. Photo/electro-catalysis, currently believed to be the bottleneck, promises a potential solution to these challenges along with a green and sustainable environment. This review aims to provide the current highlights on the application of inorganic-semiconductor-based ternary nanocomposites for H2 production and pollutant removal.