Yu Wang

Dandelion-like CoP–CoO enables nitrate-to-ammonia conversion via a spatially decoupled relay (CoO for NO ₃ ⁻ deoxygenation, CoP for *NO ₂ hydrogenation), complemented by NIR-triggered localized photothermal activation.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting provides a sustainable pathway for hydrogen production, yet achieving efficient and stable photoanodes continues to be a formidable obstacle. Herein, a core-shell CuS@CdS-Pt photoanode is constructed via in situ hydrothermal self-assembly followed by Pt surface modification. The Z-scheme heterojunction between CdS and CuS generates the built-in electric field (IEF), stimulating spatial separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs while preserving strong redox capability. Building on this, a synergistic dual-thermal effect is proposed and demonstrated. Specifically, the photothermal effect of CuS enhances thermal conductivity via non-radiative relaxation-induced phonon transport along the lattice, accelerating water oxidation kinetics and boosting charge separation efficiency. Meanwhile, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of surface-decorated Pt strengthens the local electromagnetic field, injects hot electrons, and provides additional thermal energy, synergistically regulating carrier separation and transport. Consequently, the optimized CuS@CdS-Pt photoanode achieves a photocurrent density of 3.92 mA cm–2 at 1.23 VRHE under near-infrared (NIR) auxiliary irradiation, a Faradaic efficiency of 90.3%, and retains 90% initial photocurrent after 20 h of uninterrupted running, to our knowledge exceeding all prior CdS-based photoanodes. This work integrates heterojunction engineering with the dual-thermal effect, providing a new strategy for designing high-efficiency, durable photoanodes for PEC water splitting.

Electrocatalytic reactions involving multiple electrons and protons, such as nitrate reduction to ammonia, are constrained by sluggish interfacial charge‐transfer and inefficient mass transport. Here, we propose a dual‐field‐driven strategy that integrates the local thermal field and the built‐in electric field within a photothermal heterostructure, enabling concerted control over both atomic‐scale active‐site construction and the reaction microenvironment. Using a CeO ₂ /Co ₃ O ₄ composite as the platform, photogenerated electrons guided by interfacial band alignment drive the site‐selective loading of single‐atom Cu onto CeO ₂ domains, yielding an atomically precise Cu/CeO ₂ /Co ₃ O ₄ (Cu/CeCo) catalyst. Under near‐infrared irradiation, the optimal catalyst provides an NH ₃ yield rate of 110.5 µmol h ⁻¹ cm ⁻² at −0.4 V vs. RHE and a high Faradaic efficiency of 95.8% at −0.2 V vs. RHE, both outperforming its dark‐state performance. Mechanistic studies indicate that Cu single atoms anchored on CeO ₂ /Co ₃ O ₄ promote NO ₃ ⁻ adsorption and effectively inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction. Furthermore, the dual‐field accelerates the interfacial charge transfer and promotes the overall reaction kinetics. This work demonstrates that dual‐field microenvironment engineering serves as a promising platform for advancing atomic‐scale catalysis toward sustainable chemical synthesis.

An alkali lignin-derived defect-rich carbon layer confines FeCo alloy nanoparticles on conductive Ti ₄ O ₇ nanofibers, enabling robust bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable zinc–air batteries.

A 3D NVP electrode prepared without a polymer binder by 3D printing enables a highly efficient multidirectional electrolyte infiltration and fast electron transfer.