Controlled colloidal metal nanoparticles and nanoclusters: recent applications as cocatalysts for improving photocatalytic water-splitting activity

Abstract

This review introduces the importance of controlled colloidal NPs/NCs in research on water-splitting photocatalysis by summarizing the existing research.

Single Platinum Atom Doping to Silver Clusters Enables Near‐Infrared‐to‐Blue Photon Upconversion

“…The unique characteristics of the clusters render them suitable for use as photosensitizer materials. Indeed, thiolate‐protected gold clusters have been shown to serve as photosensitizers in singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) generation, [16] solar cells, [17, 18] and photocatalysis [19] . Furthermore, a recent study on the photosensitization of 1 O 2 using [Au 25 (SR) 18 ] − has confirmed the formation of an excited triplet state of the cluster [20] .…”

“…Indeed, thiolate-protected gold clusters have been shown to serve as photosensitizers in singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) generation, [16] solar cells, [17,18] and photocatalysis. [19] Furthermore, a recent study on the photosensitization of 1 O 2 using [Au 25 (SR) 18 ] À has confirmed the formation of an excited triplet state of the cluster. [20] To the best of our knowledge, the use of atomically precise noble metal clusters as triplet sensitizers in TTA-UC has not been explored to date.…”

Increase in CO2 reduction rate via optical near-field effect

“…18 This Au 25 was attached to the alumina sphere after stirring in water in a manner similar to that described in previous studies. [18][19][20] In particular, Au 25 ðSGÞ 18 clusters were adsorbed on the alumina sphere by mixing an aqueous solution containing Au 25 ðSGÞ 18 with an aqueous solution of alumina sphere (600 mg) for 2 h at room temperature (∼20°C). The total volume of the aqueous solution was fixed at 200 mL, and the mixing ratio of the Au 25 ðSGÞ 18 clusters to the alumina sphere was fixed at 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2 wt.…”

Ag44(EBT)26(TPP)4 Nanoclusters With Tailored Molecular and Electronic Structure

“…Particularly, the alkyl groups and their position (with respect to metal binding site) on the aromatic ring of the ligand are found to have a profound influence, which often dictate the size and structure of NCs [12a, 13] . Typical ligands used for stabilizing NCs are thiols, [14] phosphines, [15] hydrides, [16] alkynes [17] and/or their combinations [5b, 12b] . Post synthetic ligand‐exchange has also been found to result in the NCs of novel size and molecular structure [18] .…”

“…The size‐ and structure‐property relationships in NCs are highly desirable to design NC‐based materials for prospective applications in catalysis and energy conversion, which requires well‐controlled size, composition, electronic charge and geometric and electronic structure [12b, 21] . Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules to attain NCs of desired characteristics since the molecular mechanism of the formation of NCs is still unknown.…”