A metal-free polymeric photocatalyst for hydrogen production from water under visible light

Xinchen Wang, Kazuhiko Maeda, Arne Thomas, Kazuhiro Takanabe, Gang Xin, Johan M. Carlsson, Kazunari Domen, Markus Antonietti

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

The production of hydrogen from water using a catalyst and solar energy is an ideal future energy source, independent of fossil reserves. For an economical use of water and solar energy, catalysts that are sufficiently efficient, stable, inexpensive and capable of harvesting light are required. Here, we show that an abundant material, polymeric carbon nitride, can produce hydrogen from water under visible-light irradiation in the presence of a sacrificial donor. Contrary to other conducting polymer semiconductors, carbon nitride is chemically and thermally stable and does not rely on complicated device manufacturing. The results represent an important first step towards photosynthesis in general where artificial conjugated polymer semiconductors can be used as energy transducers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMaterials for Sustainable Energy
Subtitle of host publicationA Collection of Peer-Reviewed Research and Review Articles from Nature Publishing Group
PublisherWorld Scientific Publishing Co.
Pages271-275
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9789814317665
ISBN (Print)9814317640, 9789814317641
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2010
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Energy
  • General Engineering
  • General Materials Science

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