Recent Progress of Transition Metal Phosphides for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

Abstract

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution can effectively alleviate the troublesome global energy crisis by converting solar energy into the chemical energy of hydrogen. In order to realize efficient hydrogen generation, a variety of semiconductor materials have been extensively investigated, including TiO2, CdS, g‐C3N4, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), and others. In recent years, to achieve higher photocatalytic performance and reach the level of large‐scale industrial applications, photocatalysts decorated with transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have shone brightly because of their low cost, stable physical and chemical properties, and substitution for precious metals of TMPs. This Review highlights the preparation methods and properties associated with photocatalysis of TMPs. Moreover, the H2 generation efficiency of photocatalysts loaded with TMPs and the roles of TMPs in catalytic systems are also studied systematically. Apart from being co‐catalysts, several TMPs can also serve as host catalysts to boost the activity of photocatalytic composites. Finally, the development prospects and challenges of TMPs are put forward, which is valuable for future researchers to expand the application of TMPs in photocatalytic directions and to develop more active photocatalytic systems.

Urchinlike W18O49/g-C3N4 Z-Scheme Heterojunction for Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 under Full Spectrum Light

“…The global energy crisis and environmental degradation resulting from the massive use of fossil fuels have led to widespread anxiety around the world. − In recent years, a large number of new energy production technologies have been developed, among which photocatalysis technology has gradually become a research hot spot. ,, Photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 into valuable fuel can not only alleviate the global warming trend but also solve the problem of a global energy shortage. − At present, as one of the most critical problems of photocatalysis, abundant photocatalysts such as metal oxides, , metal sulfides, , and metal phosphides − have been developed and investigated by researchers. It is worth noting that graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4 ) has triggered widespread investigation fascination due to its cheap and easy availability and stable chemical properties and because it is nontoxic.…”

Recent Advances in Multimetal and Doped Transition-Metal Phosphides for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction at Different pH values

“…Since then, the literature on TMPs catalysts has rapidly grown to include different Earth-abundant transition metals. Until recently, the research was focused on the HER in acid media and single-metal phosphides such as CoP, Co 2 P, Ni 2 P, Ni 3 P, Cu 3 P, MoP, and FeP, which have been thoroughly reviewed before. ,,− Among the reasons why research has been dominated by studies at low pH is the fact that the HER in an alkaline environment is generally 2–3 orders of magnitude slower than in acid media . Such kinetics discrepancies arise from the source of the hydrogen intermediate ( H ad ).…”

“…Single-metal phosphides, as well as the application of TMPs in OER or photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, are not discussed here. These topics are discussed in more detail in other recently published reviews. − ,− First, the synthesis methods used for producing the TMP compounds are presented, including the limitations and drawbacks associated with the synthetic processes. Second, the performance of the materials as electrocatalysts for the HER in acidic, neutral, and basic media is discussed, with a particular focus on the recent advances.…”

Rational Design of Coordination Bond Connected Metal Organic Frameworks/MXene Hybrids for Efficient Solar Water Splitting

“…In this regard, combining MOF materials with cocatalysts, including noble metal co-catalysts (Pt, Au, and Pd) and non-noble metal co-catalysts (transient metal, carbon, transition metal phosphide, and molybdenum sulfide), has been employed to improve their electron-hole pairs separation ability. [19][20][21][22] For example, by embedding Pt nanoparticles into the framework of UiO-66-NH 2 , Jiang's group successfully constructed Pt@UiO-66-NH 2 which exhibited relatively high activity for photocatalytic water splitting. [23] Pt nanoparticles act as a co-catalyst impeding the electron-hole pairs recombination in MOFs, thus promoting photocatalytic water reduction.…”