Precise fabrication of single-atom alloy co-catalyst with optimal charge state for enhanced photocatalysis

While the surface charge state of co-catalysts plays a critical role for boosting photocatalysis, studies on surface charge regulation via their precise structure control remain extremely rare. Herein, metal-organic framework (MOF) stabilized bimetallic Pd@Pt nanoparticles, which feature adjustable Pt coordination environment and a controlled structure from core-shell to single-atom alloy (SAA), have been fabricated. Significantly, apart from the formation of a Mott-Schottky junction in a conventional way, we elucidate that Pt surface charge regulation can be alternatively achieved by changing its coordination environment and the structure of the Pd@Pt co-catalyst, where the charge between Pd and Pt is redistributed. As a result, the optimized Pd-10@Pt-1/MOF composite, which involves an unprecedented SAA co-catalyst, exhibits exceptionally high photocatalytic hydrogen production activity, far surpassing its corresponding counterparts.

Automated summary

Metal-organic framework (MOF) stabilized bimetallic Pd@Pt nanoparticles with adjustable Pt coordination environment and controlled structure from core-shell to single-atom alloy (SAA) have been fabricated. It was found that Pt surface charge regulation can be achieved by changing its coordination environment and the structure of the Pd@Pt co-catalyst, redistributing the charge between Pd and Pt. The optimized Pd-10@Pt-1/MOF composite, featuring an unprecedented SAA co-catalyst, exhibits exceptionally high photocatalytic hydrogen production activity surpassing its corresponding counterparts.