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Reliable Performance Characterization of Mediated Photocatalytic Water‐Splitting Half Reactions
Author(s) -
Han Lihao,
Lin Meng,
Haussener Sophia
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.201601901
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , redox , characterization (materials science) , aqueous solution , water splitting , materials science , semiconductor , electrolyte , oxygen evolution , oxygen , spectroscopy , chemistry , chemical engineering , photochemistry , inorganic chemistry , catalysis , nanotechnology , electrochemistry , optoelectronics , organic chemistry , physics , electrode , quantum mechanics , engineering
Photocatalytic approaches using two sets of semiconductor particles and a pair of redox‐shuttle mediators are considered as a safe and economic solution for solar water splitting. Here, accurate experimental characterization techniques for photocatalytic half reactions are reported, investigating the gas as well as the liquid products. The methods are exemplified utilizing photocatalytic titania particles in an iron‐based aqueous electrolyte for effective oxygen evolution and mediator reduction reactions under illumination. Several product characterization methods, including an optical oxygen sensor, pressure sensor, gas chromatography, and UV/Vis spectroscopy are used and compared for accurate, high‐resolution gas‐products and mediator conversion measurements. Advantages of each technique are discussed. A high Faraday efficiency of 97.5±2 % is calculated and the reaction rate limits are investigated.