Nature‐Inspired Design of Artificial Solar‐to‐Fuel Conversion Systems based on Copper Phosphate Microflowers

Abstract

Phosphates play significant roles in plant photosynthesis by mediating electron transportation and furnishing energy for CO2 reduction. Motivated by this, we demonstrate herein an artificial solar-to-fuel conversion system, involving versatile copper phosphate microflowers as template and titanium dioxide nanoparticles as host photocatalyst. The elaborate flowerlike architectures, coupled with a unique proton-reduction cycle from interchangeability of different species of orthophosphate ions, not only offer a 2D nanosheet platform for an optimal heterostructure interface but also effectively augment charge-carrier transfer, thereby contributing to enhanced photoactivity and hydrogen generation. These nature-inspired, phosphate-derived nanocomposites advance the synthesis of a large variety of functional materials, which holds great potential for photochemical, photoelectric and catalytic applications.

Copper Based Nanomaterials Suppress Root Fungal Disease in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus): Role of Particle Morphology, Composition and Dissolution Behavior

“…Phosphate in the form of buffered phosphate solutions, phosphorous acid salts, or organic-phosphate compounds has shown the reduction of bacterial and fungal infections. In addition, there was enhanced antimicrobial activity when phosphate compounds were applied concurrently with solubilized copper salts. ,, In a previous study, researchers synthesized nanostructured copper phosphate protein composites that showed antifungal properties in vitro . ,− However, the application of copper phosphate nanomaterials to suppress disease and enhance crop yield remains largely unexplored.…”

Nature-inspired materials: Emerging trends and prospects

“…The copper phosphate flower provides a large surface area to bind TiO 2 nanoparticles, whereby the TiO 2 nanoparticles act as photocatalysts. Therefore, a copper phosphate flower functionalized with TiO 2 nanoparticles works as a solar light harvesting device 3,4 . This system works as an antenna for solar light absorption and splits the water molecules into O 2 and H 2 (clean energy as a hydrogen fuel cell) gas.…”

Silver Phosphate Based Photocatalysis: A Brief Review from Fundamentals to Applications

“…[16] Yamauchi et al also focused on the synthesis of nanoporous nickel, aluminum, and zirconium phosphates and studied their superior energy storage application [17]. Ho et al synthesized copper phosphate microflowers for the artificial solar-to-fuel conversion system [18]. Thus, the metal phosphates are extensively used in photocatalytic applications currently.…”