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Unveiling charge utilization mechanisms in ferroelectric for water splitting

Author

Listed:
  • Jie Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yong Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Thomas Dittrich

    (Institut für Silizium-Photovoltaik)

  • Zhuan Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Pengxiang Ji

    (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Mingrun Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Na Ta

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Hongyan Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Chao Zhen

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yanjun Xu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Dongfeng Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhendong Feng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zheng Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yaling Luo

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Junhao Cui

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Dong Su

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yuxiang Weng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Gang Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiuli Wang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Fengtao Fan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Can Li

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Charge separation is a critical process for achieving high photocatalytic efficiency, and ferroelectrics hold significant potential for facilitating effective charge separation. However, few studies have demonstrated substantial photocatalytic activity in these materials. In this study, we demonstrate that in ferroelectric PbTiO3, surface Ti vacancy defects near the positively polarized facets impede photocatalytic performance by trapping electrons and inducing their recombination. To tackle this issue, we selectively grew SrTiO3 nanolayers on the polarized facets PbTiO3, effectively mitigating interface Ti defects. This modification establishes a efficient electron transfer pathway at the interface between the positively polarized facets and the cocatalyst, extending the electron lifetime from 50 microseconds to the millisecond scale and significantly increasing electron participation in water-splitting reactions. Consequently, the apparent quantum yield for overall water splitting achieves the highest values reported to date for ferroelectric photocatalytic materials. This work provides an effective strategy for designing advanced ferroelectric photocatalytic systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Jie Zhang & Yong Liu & Thomas Dittrich & Zhuan Wang & Pengxiang Ji & Mingrun Li & Na Ta & Hongyan Zhang & Chao Zhen & Yanjun Xu & Dongfeng Li & Zhendong Feng & Zheng Li & Yaling Luo & Junhao Cui & Don, 2025. "Unveiling charge utilization mechanisms in ferroelectric for water splitting," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-12, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56359-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56359-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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