FexNi9-xS8 (x=3-6) as potential photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production? - Research portal of Justus Liebig University Giessen:

Journal article

Fe_xNi_9-xS₈ (x=3-6) as potential photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production?

Authors list: Tetzlaff, David; Simon, Christopher; Achilleos, Demetra S.; Smialkowski, Mathias; Puring, Kai Junge; Bloesser, Andre; Piontek, Stefan; Kasap, Hatice; Siegmund, Daniel; Reisner, Erwin; Marschall, Roland; Apfel, Ulf-Peter

Publication year: 2019

Pages: 216-226

Journal: Faraday Discussions

Volume number: 215

ISSN: 1359-6640

eISSN: 1364-5498

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1039/c8fd00173a

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Abstract:
The efficient reduction of protons by non-noble metals under mild conditions is a challenge for our modern society. Nature utilises hydrogenases, enzymatic machineries that comprise iron- and nickel- containing active sites, to perform the conversion of protons to hydrogen. We herein report a straightforward synthetic pathway towards well-defined particles of the bio-inspired material FexNi9-xS8, a structural and functional analogue of hydrogenase metal sulfur clusters. Moreover, the potential of pentlandites to serve as photocatalysts for solar-driven H-2-production is assessed for the first time. The FexNi9-xS8 materials are visible light responsive (band gaps between 2.02 and 2.49 eV, depending on the pentlandite's Fe : Ni content) and display a conduction band energy close to the thermodynamic potential for proton reduction. Despite the limited driving force, a modest activity for photocatalytic H-2 has been observed. Our observations show the potential for the future development of pentlandites as photocatalysts. This work provides a basis to explore powerful synergies between biomimetic chemistry and material design to unlock novel applications in solar energy conversion.

Citation Styles

Harvard Citation style: Tetzlaff, D., Simon, C., Achilleos, D., Smialkowski, M., Puring, K., Bloesser, A., et al. (2019) Fe_xNi_9-xS₈ (x=3-6) as potential photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production?, Faraday Discussions, 215, pp. 216-226. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8fd00173a

APA Citation style: Tetzlaff, D., Simon, C., Achilleos, D., Smialkowski, M., Puring, K., Bloesser, A., Piontek, S., Kasap, H., Siegmund, D., Reisner, E., Marschall, R., & Apfel, U. (2019). Fe_xNi_9-xS₈ (x=3-6) as potential photocatalysts for solar-driven hydrogen production?. Faraday Discussions. 215, 216-226. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8fd00173a

Keywords

CARBON NITRIDE; H-2 GENERATION; P-BLOCK METAL; PENTLANDITE; PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS; SOLID-SOLUTION

SDG Areas

6 Clean water and sanitation