Vertical graphene nano-antennas for solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion
File version
Author(s)
Bo, Zheng
Wu, Shiwen
Wen, Zhenhai
Chen, Junxiang
Luo, Tengfei
Lee, Eungkyu
Xiong, Guoping
Amal, Rose
Wee, Andrew TS
Yan, Jianhua
Cen, Kefa
Fisher, Timothy S
Ostrikov, Kostya Ken
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
Effective separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers are common issues in solar energy conversion. Strong localized electric fields near functional nanostructures reduce charge recombination and boost energy efficiency and photocatalytic activity. However, common metal-based photocatalytic systems on conducting supports under-utilize infrared (IR) light energy, and suffer from unsatisfactory interface quality and stability, as well as high complexity and cost. Here we develop a photocatalytic nano-antennas simultaneously featuring localized field-enhancement in IR, high electric conductivity, and interface stability. In the nano-antennas, plasma-made all-carbon vertical graphene nanopetals (GPs) are covalently interfaced with high-performance metal-free semiconducting graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalyst. The photo-induced force microscopy is used to obtain real-space images of localized electric field enhancement in the near-IR and mid-IR ranges along the vertically standing ultra-sharp GP edge nano-antennas. The photocurrent, electrochemical impedance spectra, and time-resolved photoluminescence spectra confirm that the GP edge nano-antennas significantly enhance the photogenerated charge carrier separation, accelerate carrier migration, and prolong carrier lifetime. We also demonstrate the scalability of production of the petal edge nano-antennas. The unique graphene nanoarchitecture offer exotic spectral properties, which are essential for many large-scale solar energy harvesting applications such as photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and solar-thermal water desalination and purification.
Journal Title
Solar Energy
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
208
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Engineering
Environmental nanotechnology and nanometrology
Built environment and design
Science & Technology
Energy & Fuels
Solar energy conversion
Plasma made nanostructures
Persistent link to this record
Citation
Xu, C; Bo, Z; Wu, S; Wen, Z; Chen, J; Luo, T; Lee, E; Xiong, G; Amal, R; Wee, ATS; Yan, J; Cen, K; Fisher, TS; Ostrikov, KK, Vertical graphene nano-antennas for solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion, Solar Energy, 2020, 208, pp. 379-387