Ordered colloidal clusters constructed by nanocrystals with valence for efficient CO ₂ photoreduction

Abstract

The ability to construct discrete colloidal clusters (CCs) as complex as molecular clusters is limited due to the lack of available colloidal building blocks and specific directional bonds. Here, we explore a strategy to organize anisotropic Prussian blue analog nanocrystals (NCs) toward CCs with open and highly ordered structures, experimentally realizing colloidal analogs to zeolitic clathrate structures. The directional interactions are derived from either crystallographic or morphological anisotropy of the NCs and achieved by the interplay of epitaxial growth, oriented attachment, and local packing. We attribute these interparticle interactions to enthalpic and entropic valences that imitate hybridized atomic orbitals of sp 3 d 2 octahedron and sp 3 d 3 f cube. Benefiting from the ordered multilevel porous structures, the obtained CCs exhibit greatly enhanced catalytic activity for CO 2 photoreduction. Our work offers some fundamental insights into directional bonding among NCs and opens an avenue that promises access to unique CCs with unprecedented structures and applications.

Fabrication of CdS Frame‐in‐Cage Particles for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation under Visible‐Light Irradiation

“…Most recently, frame‐like structures also exhibit similar advantageous features for photocatalytic reactions. [ 24 ] Moreover, frame‐like structures can also enhance the mass‐transfer processes during photocatalytic reactions. Therefore, combining the merits of hollow structures and frame‐like structures may lead to high photocatalytic performance.…”

Tuning Crystallinity and Surface Hydrophobicity of a Cobalt Phosphide Cocatalyst to Boost CO2 Photoreduction Performance

“…The activity loss in the prolonged period is mainly ascribed to the photofading effect of the ruthenium photosensitizer, in agreement with previous observations. [5,6,[12][13][14][15] The total products generation of CoP-600 and CoP after photoreaction for 4 h is about 134 and 107 μmol ( Figure S7), giving the catalytic turnover numbers (TONs) of 12 and 9.7 based on the corresponding cocatalysts, which reveals the catalysis essence of the CO 2 reduction reaction.…”

POM‐Incorporated CoO Nanowires for Enhanced Photocatalytic Syngas Production from CO2

“…[25] Lou et al developed a series of Co-contained oxides for enhanced photochemical CO 2 reduction. [26][27][28] Recently, Co single atom catalysts have been demonstrated high activity towards photocatalysis and electrochemical syngas production. [29][30][31] Through reviewing the published works, we found that the research on amorphous Co-based compounds remains deficient.…”