Criteria for Efficient Photocatalytic Water Splitting Revealed by Studying Carrier Dynamics in a Model Al-doped SrTiO3 Photocatalyst

Overall water splitting (OWS) using semiconductor photocatalysts is a promising method for solar fuel production. Achieving a high quantum efficiency is one of the most important prerequisites for photocatalysts to realize high solar-to-fuel efficiency. In a recent study (Nature 2020, 58, 411-414), a quantum efficiency of almost 100 % has been achieved in an aluminum-doped strontium titanate (SrTiO3 : Al) photocatalyst. Herein, using the SrTiO3 : Al as a model photocatalyst, we reveal the criteria for efficient photocatalytic water splitting by investigating the carrier dynamics through a comprehensive photoluminescence study. It is found that the Al doping suppresses the generation of Ti3+ recombination centers in SrTiO3, the surface band bending facilitates charge separation, and the in situ photo-deposited Rh/Cr2O3 and CoOOH co-catalysts render efficient charge extraction. By suppressing photocarrier recombination and establishing a facile charge separation and extraction mechanism, high quantum efficiency can be achieved even on photocatalysts with a very short (sub-ns) intrinsic photocarrier lifetime, challenging the belief that a long carrier lifetime is a fundamental requirement. Our findings could provide guidance on the design of OWS photocatalysts toward more efficient solar-to-fuel conversion.

Automated summary

In this study, efficient photocatalytic water splitting criteria were revealed using SrTiO3: Al as a model photocatalyst, showing that suppressing photocarrier recombination and establishing a facile charge separation and extraction mechanism can achieve high quantum efficiency. Even on photocatalysts with a very short intrinsic photocarrier lifetime, high quantum efficiency can be achieved by challenging the belief that a long carrier lifetime is a fundamental requirement. These findings could guide the design of more efficient solar-to-fuel conversion OWS photocatalysts.