Breakthrough in Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution: Enhancing Efficiency with Iodine Manipulation

Researchers at Xiangtan University have made a significant discovery in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, finding that the introduction of iodine atoms can enhance the catalytic efficiency of single-atom platinum (Pt) photocatalysts. This breakthrough could have significant implications for the development of sustainable energy technologies.

The study, led by Chengbin Liu, found that by doping iodine (I) into graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), they could create a photocatalyst system that exhibited exceptional photocatalytic alkaline hydrogen evolution performance. The hydrogen production rate at the stationary point was as high as 18.71 mmol g-1 h-1, and the apparent quantum yield at 420 nm was 36.93%. Moreover, the hydrogen production rate in seawater remained high at 10.66 mmol g-1 h-1.

Key Takeaways:

• The introduction of iodine (I) atoms into graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) enhances the catalytic efficiency of single-atom platinum (Pt) photocatalysts.
• The resulting photocatalyst system exhibits exceptional photocatalytic alkaline hydrogen evolution performance, with a hydrogen production rate of 18.71 mmol g-1 h-1 and an apparent quantum yield of 36.93% at 420 nm.
• The photocatalyst system remains effective in seawater, with a hydrogen production rate of 10.66 mmol g-1 h-1.
• The study provides a new strategy for enhancing the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, which could have significant implications for the development of sustainable energy technologies.
• The research was supported by the Science and Technology Innovation Plan of Hunan Province and has been peer-reviewed.

Statistics:

• Hydrogen production rate of 18.71 mmol g-1 h-1 at the stationary point.
• Apparent quantum yield of 36.93% at 420 nm.
• Hydrogen production rate of 10.66 mmol g-1 h-1 in seawater.
• Number of researchers involved in the study: 9 (Chengbin Liu, Jiachao Shen, Haifang Tang, Huiling Liu, Chenghui Luo, Jianbin Liu, Kaixing Fu, Jili Yuan, and Hao Zhang).

Sources:

• Iodine-manipulated Pt Single Atoms Bridged Between Graphitic C3n4 Nanosheets for Boosted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution, Small, 2025.
• NewsRx. Researchers from Xiangtan University Provide Details of New Studies and Findings in the Area of Photocatalytics (Iodine-manipulated Pt Single Atoms Bridged Between Graphitic C3n4 Nanosheets for Boosted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution). Journal of Technology & Science. October 26, 2025; p 4347.