Photocatalytic and Photoelectrochemical Degradation of Organic Compounds with All-Inorganic Metal Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots

Abstract

Inspired by the outstanding optoelectronic properties reported for all-inorganic halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs), we have evaluated the potential of these materials toward the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical degradation of organic compounds, taking the oxidation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) as a proof-of-concept. First, we determined electrochemically the energy levels of dispersions of perovskite QDs with different band gaps induced by the different ratios between halides (Br and I) and metallic cations (Pb and Sn). Then, we selected CsPbBr 3 QDs to demonstrate the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical oxidation of MBT, confirming that hole injection takes place from CsPbBr 3 QDs to MBT, resulting in the total degradation of MBT as evidenced by electrospray mass spectrometry analyses. Although the stability and toxicity of these QDs are major issues to address in the near future, the results obtained in the present study open promising perspectives for the implementation of solar-driven catalytic strategies based on these fascinating materials.

Isopropanol-assisted synthesis of highly stable MAPbBr3/p-g-C3N4 intergrowth composite photocatalysts and their interfacial charge carrier dynamics

“…This can be attributed to two reasons: (1) the irregular microcrystals with low crystallinity resulted in trap states and thus ), holes (h + ) and hydroxyl radical (cOH) play an important role in the degradation of organic dyes. [8][9][10][11][12] For unambiguous identication of reactive oxygen species (ROS) involved in the dye degradation process, the reactivespecies-trapping experiments were performed to clarify the contribution of different active species to the reaction. In general, p-benzoquinone (p-BQ), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-2Na), tert-butanol (t-BuOH) and AgNO 3 are known as effective scavengers for cO 2 À , h + , cOH and photogenerated electrons (e À ), respectively.…”

“…6,7 Additionally, halide perovskites for the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical degradation of organic dyes were reported. [8][9][10][11][12] For example, CsPbX 3 can decompose methyl orange (MO) within 100 min under visible light irradiation. 10 Cardenas-Morcoso et al conrmed that the photocatalytic degradation of a 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) compound resulted from hole injection from CsPbBr 3 nanodots to MBT.…”

Recent Progress and Development in Inorganic Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots for Photoelectrochemical Applications

“…At present, the photocatalysis technology has received more and more attention and has been widely used in solar water splitting for hydrogen evolution, photochemical CO 2 reduction into valuable chemical fuels (e.g., carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH 4 ), methanol (CH 3 OH), etc. ), photodegradation pollutants, and other fields.…”

“…Interestingly, the IHPQDs also show the great potential for photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical degradation of organic compounds. Very recently, Cardenas‐Morcoso et al prepared the perovskite QDs with different bandgaps induced by the different ratios between halides (Br and I) and metallic cations (Pb and Sn), and then demonstrated the photocatalytic and PEC oxidation of 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT). The experimental results confirmed that the energy level of CsPbBr 3 QDs matched well with MBT, and the hole injection from perovskite QDs to MBT took place during the the photocatalytic and PEC oxidation process, thus leading to the total degradation of MBT.…”

“…In particular, IHPQDs, as a new type of QDs, have attracted much recent attention in the field of photoelectrochemistry, with the great potential to harness their excellent properties for opening up new opportunities in next‐generation photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems. Over the past few years, much work has been done to design and prepare the IHPQD‐based materials for a wide range of applications in photoelectrochemistry, ranging from photocatalytic degradation, photocatalytic CO 2 reduction, PEC sensing to photovoltaic devices . We believe that it is necessary to provide readers with their current status and existing challenges of this rapidly evolving area.…”