Active control of forward/backward charge transfer in Z-scheme water splitting: manipulating electrostatic affinity/repulsion between photocatalyst surface and electron mediator

Key Points

• This research aims to explore how manipulating electrostatic interactions influences charge transfer in Z-scheme water splitting systems.
• Examined the charge transfer process in Z-scheme systems using semiconductor photocatalysts.
• Manipulated electrostatic interactions between photocatalyst surfaces and electron mediators.
• Analyzed backward electron transfer rates under various conditions.
• Enhanced control over backward electron transfer was achieved through electrostatic manipulation.
• This control improved the overall efficiency of solar hydrogen production significantly.
• Findings suggest that optimizing interaction between components can lead to better performance in water splitting.