Polarisation Photocatalysis

Winner: 2023 Environment, Sustainability and Energy Horizon Prize: John Jeyes Prize

For the development of polarisation photocatalysis using spontaneous electric fields in polar materials to mitigate charge carrier recombination, promoting commercialisation of photocatalytic technology.

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A team from RMIT University in Australia, working with worldwide collaborators, has pioneered a new field of manipulating polar materials as high-performance photocatalysts for water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, and nitrogen fixation, denoted as ‘Polarisation Photocatalysis’.

Photocatalysis shows huge potential in environmental remediation and renewable energy generation. However, in traditional strategies, the quick recombination of photoinduced electrons in the bulk phase and on the catalyst surface is a key barrier, resulting in low charge separation efficiency and thus low photocatalytic performance. The problem of recombination in photocatalytic systems is not straightforward to overcome and has hindered the widespread use of photocatalysis in practical industrial applications.

The Polarisation Photocatalysis strategy solves this issue with a durable and permanent in-built electric field for directed charge separation, cost-efficiency without introducing external chemicals, energy or field input, as well as an extendable concept involving not only crystal framework asymmetricity but also crystal facet and nanostructure asymmetricity, which were all proven by the team to be efficient polarisation photocatalysts. This breakthrough paves the way for photocatalysis technology to real-world deployment.

Working in a multidisciplinary team, such as ours, allows us to tackle problems from different angles, which can lead to breakthrough discoveries or new areas of research. The work of this team has dramatically enhanced the overall photocatalytic reaction efficiency to three orders of magnitude, paving the way for real life applications.

The team

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Munkhbayar Batmunkh, Lecturer, Griffith University
Fang Chen, Lecture, China University of Geosciences
Keli Han, Professor, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Lin Hao, China University of Geosciences
Hongwei Huang, Professor, China University of Geosciences
Baohua Jia, Professor, RMIT University
Shuaiyu Jiang, Lecturer, RMIT University
Lei Kang, China University of Geosciences
Xiaowei Li, Associate Professor, China University of Geosciences
Tianyi Ma, Professor, RMIT University
Zhaoyu Ma, Beihang University
Enyang Mao, Xiamen Zijin Renewable Energy and Advanced Materials Technology Co., Ltd.
Bastian Mei, Professor, University of Twente
Guido Mul, Professor, University of Twente
Shaoqiang Su, University of Twente
Xiaodong Sun, Lecturer, Liaoning University
Keyang Wang, Lanzhou University
Songqiu Yang, Lanzhou University
Liqun Ye, China Three Gorges University
Zijun Yong, Lecturer, RMIT University
Hongjian Yu, Professor, Yangzhou University
Tierui Zhang, Professor, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yihe Zhang, Professor, China University of Geosciences
Qiuyu Zhang, Semiconductor Manufacturing North China (Beijing) Corporation

Q&A

Why is this work so important and exciting?

Tianyi Ma: The novel concept of Polarisation Photocatalysis was raised in this work. Compared with traditional strategies to enhance photocatalysis, such as constructing heterojunctions and atomic doping, it features a durable and permanent in-built electric field for directed charge separation, cost-efficiency without introducing external chemicals, energy, or field input, as well as an extendable concept involving not only crystal framework asymmetricity, but also crystal facet and nanostructure asymmetricity.

How will this work be used in real life applications?

Tianyi Ma: The substantially lifted catalytic performance together with government and industry investments makes the scaling up of photocatalysis technology realistic. Namely, a photocatalytic solar-to-H₂ generator (Australia-based) was developed to produce 1kg of green hydrogen per hour, making it one of the world-first successful demonstrations to directly produce hydrogen from seawater at an extremely low cost.

How do you see this work developing over the next few years, and what is next for this technology/research?

Tianyi Ma: In the next few years, we will focus on developing more efficient and cost-effective photocatalytic materials and systems. This may involve optimising photocatalysts and reaction conditions, and developing new methods to promote photocatalytic performance. We are also looking to develop photocatalytic systems that can be integrated into existing technologies, such as solar panels or air purification systems.

What inspires or motivates your team?

Tianyi Ma: There are many factors to motivate our team, such as the desire to solve scientific problems, curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. In the case of the research on polarisation photocatalysis, our team was motivated by the potential for this technology to address pressing environmental and energy-related challenges.

Additionally, the opportunity to develop new materials and explore new areas of photocatalysis greatly inspires our team members.

What is the importance of collaboration in the chemical sciences?

Tianyi Ma: Successful academic research must require effective collaboration among a team or between different research groups or disciplines. Researchers with strong collaborative skills can facilitate teamwork, share ideas, resolve conflicts, and bridge gaps between different fields, leading to more successful research outcomes.

What does good research culture look like or mean to you?

Tianyi Ma: Good research culture should be characterised by open communication, collaboration, and a commitment to ethical and transparent research. A positive research culture could encourage diversity, inclusivity, and the exchange of ideas across different backgrounds and perspectives. It can also provide resources and opportunities for professional development and recognise and reward excellence and contributions to the scientific community.

How are the chemical sciences making the world a better place?

Tianyi Ma: Chemical sciences play a critical role in addressing many of the world's most pressing challenges, such as developing new medicines, producing sustainable energy sources, and reducing environmental pollution. Chemical scientists are working to develop new materials, technologies, and processes that can improve our lives and protect the planet. For example, advances in catalysis have enabled the production of cleaner and more sustainable fuels.

What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in chemistry?

Tianyi Ma: I would suggest they develop a strong foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry, including principles of physical, organic, and analytical chemistry. Seek out opportunities to conduct research, either through internships, undergraduate research programs, or graduate school. Network with other scientists and attend conferences to stay up-to-date on the latest research and developments in the field. Finally, keep an open mind and be willing to explore different areas of chemistry, as there are many exciting and rewarding career paths available to those with a background in chemistry.