Author
Liwu Zhang
Other affiliations: Tsinghua University, Second Military Medical University, University of Cambridge ...read more
Bio: Liwu Zhang is an academic researcher from Fudan University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Photocatalysis & Water splitting. The author has an hindex of 35, co-authored 112 publications receiving 7336 citations. Previous affiliations of Liwu Zhang include Tsinghua University & Second Military Medical University.
Topics: Photocatalysis, Water splitting, Sulfate, Raman spectroscopy, Plasmon
Papers published on a yearly basis
Papers
More filters
TL;DR: Graphene hybridized ZnO photocatalyst showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic dye, which was attributed to the high migration efficiency of photo-induced electrons and the inhibited charge carriers recombination due to the electronic interaction between ZnOs and graphene.
Abstract: Graphene hybridized with ZnO could produce an efficient photocatalyst. The ZnO nanoparticles were firstly coated with an appropriate amount of graphene oxide, the graphene oxide was then in situ reduced to form the ZnO/graphene composite. Graphene hybridized ZnO photocatalyst showed enhanced photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic dye. The degree of photocatalytic activity enhancement strongly depended on the coverage of graphene on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles. The sample of 2 wt% graphene hybridized ZnO showed the highest photocatalytic activity, which was about 4 times as that of pristine ZnO. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity was attributed to the high migration efficiency of photo-induced electrons and the inhibited charge carriers recombination due to the electronic interaction between ZnO and graphene. The electronic interaction was systematically studied and confirmed by the photoelectrochemical measurements.
1,041 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a simple chemical exfoliation method was used to obtain single atomic layer nanosheets with a single thickness of 0.4 nm and a lateral size of micrometers.
Abstract: Single atomic layer nanosheet materials show great application potential in many fields due to their enhanced intrinsic properties compared to their counterparts and newly born properties. Herein, g-C3N4 nanosheets with a single atomic layer structure are prepared by a simple chemical exfoliation method. The as-prepared nanosheets show a single atomic thickness of 0.4 nm and a lateral size of micrometers. The structure and photocatalytic properties of the as-prepared single layer g-C3N4 are then studied. Compared with the bulk g-C3N4, single layer g-C3N4 nanosheets show great superiority in photogenerated charge carrier transfer and separation. Accordingly, the photocatalytic H2 production and pollutant decomposition activities and photocurrent generation of single layer g-C3N4 nanosheets are much higher than those of the bulk g-C3N4, indicating the great application potential of single layer g-C3N4 nanosheets in photocatalysis and photosynthesis.
1,023 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, photoelectrochemical measurements confirm an electronic interaction between TiO2 and graphite-like carbon, and the mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation is based on the high migration efficiency of photoinduced electrons at the graphitelike carbon/TiO2 interface.
Abstract: Surface hybridization of TiO2 with graphite-like carbon layers of a few molecular layers thickness yields efficient photocatalysts. Photoelectrochemical measurements confirm an electronic interaction between TiO2 and the graphite-like carbon. A TiO2 photocatalyst with a carbon shell of three molecular layers thickness (∼1 nm) shows the highest photocatalytic activity which is about two times higher than that of Degussa P25 TiO2 under UV light irradiation. The mechanism of the enhanced photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation is based on the high migration efficiency of photoinduced electrons at the graphite-like carbon/TiO2 interface, which is due to the electronic interaction between both materials. In addition, a high activity under visible light irradiation is observed after graphite-like carbon hybridization. TiO2's response is extended into the visible range of the solar spectrum due to the electronic coupling of π states of the graphite-like carbon and conduction band states of TiO2.
744 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the formation mechanisms of nanosheet and microrod structures were discussed based on the H+ cations adsorption abilities on different crystal faces, and the reason for the big difference in the photocatalytic activities for the Bi2MoO6 samples obtained at different pH values were systematically studied based on their shape, size and the variation of local structure.
Abstract: Highly crystalline orthorhombic Bi2MoO6 particles with high visible-light photocatalytic activity have been controllably synthesized via a facile hydrothermal process without adding any surfactant. The morphologies of Bi2MoO6 with nanosheet and microrod can be selectively obtained by adjusting the pH value of the reactant. The formation mechanisms of nanosheet and microrod structures were then discussed based on the H+ cations adsorption abilities on different crystal faces. The Bi2MoO6 samples prepared at acidic condition showed 12 times higher photocatalytic activity than that prepared at basic condition under visible-light irradiation. The reason for the big difference in the photocatalytic activities for the Bi2MoO6 samples obtained at different pH values were systematically studied based on their shape, size and the variation of local structure.
411 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an ordered Bi(2)WO(6) ordered porous film with open pores, an example of a photocatalytically active ternary metal oxide under visible-light irradiation, was prepared using a simple and reproducible route.
Abstract: Bi(2)WO(6) ordered porous film with open pores, an example of a photocatalytically active ternary metal oxide under visible-light irradiation, is prepared using a simple and reproducible route. The ordered porous Bi(2)WO(6) films exhibited much higher photocatalytic activity and photocurrent coversion efficiency than nonporous Bi(2)WO(6) films under visible-light irradiation (lambda > 420 nm).
336 citations
Cited by
More filters
TL;DR: This critical review shows the basis of photocatalytic water splitting and experimental points, and surveys heterogeneous photocatalyst materials for water splitting into H2 and O2, and H2 or O2 evolution from an aqueous solution containing a sacrificial reagent.
Abstract: This critical review shows the basis of photocatalytic water splitting and experimental points, and surveys heterogeneous photocatalyst materials for water splitting into H2 and O2, and H2 or O2 evolution from an aqueous solution containing a sacrificial reagent Many oxides consisting of metal cations with d0 and d10 configurations, metal (oxy)sulfide and metal (oxy)nitride photocatalysts have been reported, especially during the latest decade The fruitful photocatalyst library gives important information on factors affecting photocatalytic performances and design of new materials Photocatalytic water splitting and H2 evolution using abundant compounds as electron donors are expected to contribute to construction of a clean and simple system for solar hydrogen production, and a solution of global energy and environmental issues in the future (361 references)
8,850 citations
TL;DR: Approaches to Modifying the Electronic Band Structure for Visible-Light Harvesting and its Applications d0 Metal Oxide Photocatalysts 6518 4.4.1.
Abstract: 2.3. Evaluation of Photocatalytic Water Splitting 6507 2.3.1. Photocatalytic Activity 6507 2.3.2. Photocatalytic Stability 6507 3. UV-Active Photocatalysts for Water Splitting 6507 3.1. d0 Metal Oxide Photocatalyts 6507 3.1.1. Ti-, Zr-Based Oxides 6507 3.1.2. Nb-, Ta-Based Oxides 6514 3.1.3. W-, Mo-Based Oxides 6517 3.1.4. Other d0 Metal Oxides 6518 3.2. d10 Metal Oxide Photocatalyts 6518 3.3. f0 Metal Oxide Photocatalysts 6518 3.4. Nonoxide Photocatalysts 6518 4. Approaches to Modifying the Electronic Band Structure for Visible-Light Harvesting 6519
6,332 citations
TL;DR: It is anticipated that this review can stimulate a new research doorway to facilitate the next generation of g-C3N4-based photocatalysts with ameliorated performances by harnessing the outstanding structural, electronic, and optical properties for the development of a sustainable future without environmental detriment.
Abstract: As a fascinating conjugated polymer, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has become a new research hotspot and drawn broad interdisciplinary attention as a metal-free and visible-light-responsive photocatalyst in the arena of solar energy conversion and environmental remediation. This is due to its appealing electronic band structure, high physicochemical stability, and “earth-abundant” nature. This critical review summarizes a panorama of the latest progress related to the design and construction of pristine g-C3N4 and g-C3N4-based nanocomposites, including (1) nanoarchitecture design of bare g-C3N4, such as hard and soft templating approaches, supramolecular preorganization assembly, exfoliation, and template-free synthesis routes, (2) functionalization of g-C3N4 at an atomic level (elemental doping) and molecular level (copolymerization), and (3) modification of g-C3N4 with well-matched energy levels of another semiconductor or a metal as a cocatalyst to form heterojunction nanostructures. The constructi...
5,054 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the state-of-the-art status of the reduction of GO on both techniques and mechanisms is reviewed, where the reduction process can partially restore the structure and properties of graphene.
4,187 citations
TL;DR: This article reviews state-of-the-art research activities in the field, focusing on the scientific and technological possibilities offered by photocatalytic materials, and highlights crucial issues that should be addressed in future research activities.
Abstract: Semiconductor photocatalysis has received much attention as a potential solution to the worldwide energy shortage and for counteracting environmental degradation. This article reviews state-of-the-art research activities in the field, focusing on the scientific and technological possibilities offered by photocatalytic materials. We begin with a survey of efforts to explore suitable materials and to optimize their energy band configurations for specific applications. We then examine the design and fabrication of advanced photocatalytic materials in the framework of nanotechnology. Many of the most recent advances in photocatalysis have been realized by selective control of the morphology of nanomaterials or by utilizing the collective properties of nano-assembly systems. Finally, we discuss the current theoretical understanding of key aspects of photocatalytic materials. This review also highlights crucial issues that should be addressed in future research activities.
3,265 citations