Single-atom Cu anchored catalysts for photocatalytic renewable H₂ production with a quantum efficiency of 56%

This work demonstrates a highly dispersed and large loading amount (>1 wt%) of copper single-atoms on TiO₂, achieving a remarkable H₂ evolution rate of 101.7 mmol g⁻¹h⁻¹ under simulated solar light irradiation and an apparent quantum efficiency of 56% at 365 nm. The efficient electron transfer via Cu²⁺-Cu⁺ process contributes to the catalyst's high activity and long-term stability (380 days). This approach opens avenues for designing advanced materials for efficient and durable photocatalysis.

Yumin Zhang, Jianhong Zhao, Hui Wang, Bin Xiao, Wen Zhang, Xinbo Zhao, Tianping Lv, Madasamy Thangamuthu, Jin Zhang, Yan Guo, Jiani Ma, Lina Lin, Junwang Tang, Rong Huang, Qingju Liu