Micro-terminal regulation in nanoreactors for the construction of tantalum pentoxide single-crystal ordered networks with promoting enhanced hydrogen evolution performance

The ordered macroporous structure of photocatalytic semiconductors can enable smooth mass transfer, high hydrogen release efficiency and multiple reaction site interfaces. Remote electronic communications and structural continuity are necessary to achieve these goals. The single-crystal ordered network structures are ideal candidates to meet the above requirements. However, fabricating such continuous single-crystal structures is very challenging due to the rapid formation of grain boundaries. In this study, highly ordered poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was chosen as hosts to build a nanoreactor. A micro-terminal was developed in nano reactors to generate the suitable growth environment for single-crystal ordered networks of Ta2O5 (SCONTa2O5). By regulation of the nanoreactor space, the effect of mass transfer channel and carrier migration distance on the photocatalytic performance of SCON-Ta2O5 was systematically investigated. A substantially improved photocatalytic hydrogen performance was realized on SCON-Ta2O5. Thus, SCON-Ta2O5 has a great potential in other applications and this general synthetic strategy could extend the possibility of macroporous single-crystal growth to other functional semiconductors.

Automated summary

In this study, a nanoreactor was constructed using highly ordered PMMA as hosts to facilitate the growth of single-crystal ordered networks of Ta2O5. By regulating the nanoreactor space, the effect of mass transfer channel and carrier migration distance on the photocatalytic performance of SCON-Ta2O5 was investigated, resulting in a substantially improved photocatalytic hydrogen performance.