Synergistic Promotion of Single-Atom Co Surrounding a PtCo Alloy Based On a g-C3N4 Nanosheet for Overall Water Splitting

Atomically dispersed catalysts with maximum efficiencies for atom utilization have emerged as a frontier in the catalytic field. However, single- component monatomic catalysts are rarely reported for the overall photocatalytic water splitting reaction (OWS). Herein, a two-component synergistic photocatalyst was designed that contained a dispersion of single-atom Co (Co-SAs) centers and PtCo alloy nanoparticles (Nps), which were supported over C3N4 nanosheets. Among these components, Co-SAs centers act as highly active sites for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), and PtCo alloys act as highly active sites for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A synergistic effect between them occurs when the two different reactive centers are combined, indicating that there may be a spillover phenomenon of protons or hydroxyl groups between the Co-SAs, centers and PtCo alloy NPs. The synergistic promotion of Co-SAs centers and PtCo alloys bridges the gap between achieving maximum atom utilization and optimal bifunctional activities for OWS reactions. This combination provides a promising model for the development of OWS by atomically dispersed catalysts.

Automated summary

This study presents a two-component synergistic photocatalyst consisting of dispersed single-atom Co centers and PtCo alloy nanoparticles. The combination exhibits excellent activity for the photocatalytic water splitting reaction, bridging the gap between atom utilization and bifunctional activities. It provides a promising model for the development of atomically dispersed catalysts in the field of overall photocatalytic water splitting.