Inhomogeneous RVO4 Photocatalyst Systems (R = Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu)

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• 作者：Mitsutake Oshikiri ; Jinhua Ye ; Mauro Boero
• 刊名：Journal of Physical Chemistry C
• 出版年：2014
• 出版时间：April 24, 2014
• 年：2014
• 卷：118
• 期：16
• 页码：8331-8341
• 全文大小：855K
• 年卷期：v.118,no.16(April 24, 2014)
• ISSN：1932-7455

文摘

By resorting on first-principles dynamical simulations and supporting experiments, we present a systematic and detailed inspection of a new series of inhomogeneous photocatalytic RVO₄ systems (R = Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu), where YVO₄ is the most representative member. We evidenced a carrier separation, promoted by Pt acting as a cocatalyst, which allows for a clear understanding of the electronic properties of these inhomogeneous systems. These, in turn, are shown to be of crucial importance in enhancing the photocatalytic activity in the cases of water or methanol aqueous solutions. The presence of f electrons, acknowledged as essential for an optimal photocatalytic performance, is clearly rationalized and the possibility of using Lu, in view of its smaller ionic radius, to enhance hydrogen generation is disclosed. Experiments confirm that YVO₄, GdVO₄, and LuVO₄ have a potentially much higher efficiency than compounds containing other rare earth lanthanides. Hence, we provide a comprehensive guideline for designing a new generation of photocatalysts possessing unprecedented efficiencies.