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Pt nanocluster-Fe single atom pairs dual-regulate charge extraction and interfacial reaction for enhanced photoelectric response

Author

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  • Yuanxing Chen

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology
    Central China Normal University)

  • Ying Qin

    (Central China Normal University)

  • Mingwang Liu

    (Central China Normal University)

  • Wenhong Yang

    (Central China Normal University)

  • Yiwei Qiu

    (Central China Normal University)

  • Wen Li

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology
    Central China Normal University)

  • Lirong Zheng

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Wenling Gu

    (Central China Normal University)

  • Chengzhou Zhu

    (Central China Normal University)

  • Liuyong Hu

    (Wuhan Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Energy level mismatches between semiconductors and cocatalysts often induce carrier recombination, limiting photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) efficiency. Here, we integrate Pt nanocluster-Fe single-atom pairs with CuO to regulate both solid-solid and solid-liquid interfaces in PEC systems. Experimental and theoretical analyses reveal that an Ohmic contact at the CuO/Pt interface accelerates electron extraction, while Pt-to-Fe charge transfer enhances oxygen reduction at Fe sites, collectively boosting reaction kinetics. Leveraging this, we construct a PEC biosensor exploiting chelating effect of glyphosate on CuO to impede electron transfer, achieving a detection limit of 0.41 ng/mL. This interface engineering strategy advances cocatalyst design for enhanced energy conversion and sensing applications by simultaneously addressing carrier dynamics and interfacial reaction barriers.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanxing Chen & Ying Qin & Mingwang Liu & Wenhong Yang & Yiwei Qiu & Wen Li & Lirong Zheng & Wenling Gu & Chengzhou Zhu & Liuyong Hu, 2025. "Pt nanocluster-Fe single atom pairs dual-regulate charge extraction and interfacial reaction for enhanced photoelectric response," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58174-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58174-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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