A Yin-Yang hybrid co-catalyst (CoOx-Mo2N) for photocatalytic overall water splitting

Conventional theory of dual co-catalysts on a semiconductor in overall water splitting is that the dual co-catalysts spatially separated for photocatalytic H-2 and O-2 evolution, respectively. However, this theory ignores the use of the surface exciton and the water as a whole molecular for splitting. Here, we put forward a new Yin-Yang hybrid co-catalyst (CoOx-Mo2N) with opposite functions for each component for efficient water splitting. The (CoOx-Mo2N) / Ge3N4 shows activities 1.5 times higher than that Ge3N4 loaded with the spatial separated dual co-catalysts CoOx and Mo2N. The super properties of the Yin-Yang hybrid are attributed to the adjacent spatial configuration for extra use of surface excitons, more favorable water molecular absorption and two electrons reactive path with H2O2 as intermediate involved in water splitting. It is proposed an amendment theory for conventional dual spatially separated co-catalysts by extra using surface exciton via spatially adjacent Yin-Yang hybrid co-catalyst.

Automated summary

A new Yin-Yang hybrid co-catalyst has been proposed for efficient water splitting, showing higher activity compared to traditional spatially separated dual co-catalysts. The superior performance is attributed to the adjacent spatial configuration, extra use of surface excitons, and more favorable water molecular absorption.