Photoelectrochemical conversion of CO2 using nanostructured PbS–Si Photocathode

Progress and perspectives on 1D nanostructured catalysts applied in photo(electro)catalytic reduction of CO2

“…Recently, a series of 1D nanostructured catalysts have been developed and applied in P(E)C CO 2 RR, such as nanowires (Si NWs, 118 GaN NWs, 119–121 Cu 2 O NWs, 122 α-Fe 2 O 3 NWs, 123 Co 3 O 4 NWs 124 and so on), nanorods (CuO/Cu 2 O NRs, 109 α-Fe 2 O 3 NRs, 125 ZnO NRs, 126 WO 3 NRs 127 and so on), and nanotubes (TiO 2 NTs, 128 Fe 2 O 3 NTs, 129 Co 3 O 4 NTs, 130 Ta 3 N 5 NTs 131 and so on). In terms of material type, there are many categories of 1D nanostructured catalysts, and the preparation method of each material is unique.…”

“…As Allad et al concluded, the reflectivity of Si NWs was 5–10% lower than that of Si plates in specific spectral regions. 118 In addition, the 1D array grown in the vertical direction increases the surface area of the semiconductor, which also increases the actual light absorption area. In a study by Dong et al , a 1D nanostructured photocathode was constructed by vertically growing GaN nanowires on a Si substrate, which has a surface area 16.8 times larger than that of planar Si.…”

“…19(a)). 118 On the surface of PbS, CO 2 could be reduced to CH 3 OH. Most biological molds, which can be directly extracted from plants, have efficient catalytic properties.…”

“…6(a)). 118 The dissolution of Si oxide meant that the reaction between Ag + and Si could be carried out continuously, thus forming the nano-wire structure (Fig. 6(b)).…”

“…6(b)). 118 Si NWs with corresponding lengths could be obtained by controlling the time of chemical etching. In addition, some novel fabrication methods have also been used to prepare Si NWs in recent years.…”