Hetero-phase dendritic elemental phosphorus for visible light photocatalytic hydrogen generation

We demonstrate a carefully tailored elemental red phosphorus (red P) for a record-high photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of 1280 mu mol g(-1 )h(-1). This performance has even surpassed some of the established compound photocatalysts. Systematic studies reveal that the bismuth-catalyzed selective growth of the preferential crystal phases of red P leads to the formation of fibrous and Hittorf's phases at distinctive sites within the same pho-tocatalyst particle of dendritic morphology: nanobranches of fibrous phase and main stems of Hittorf's phase. As each crystal phase possesses unique band energy potential, the intimate heterojunction between the two phases affords an effective built-in driving force for the efficient transportation of photoexcited charge carriers with suppressed charge trapping and recombination. The strategy in crystal phase engineering of red P as well as the understanding of its charge transportation properties in this work provides new insights into developing favorable elemental P-based materials for various photocatalytic applications.

Automated summary

We demonstrated a tailored red phosphorus for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution with a record-high rate. The selective growth of preferential crystal phases within the same particle of dendritic morphology, along with the intimate heterojunction between these phases, contributes to the efficient transportation of photoexcited charge carriers and enhances the overall performance.