Realization of multilocal gradient-doping PCN by alkali metal ion sustained release capsules for enhanced photocatalytic water splitting

The gradient-doping technique has been widely applied to induce an oriented built-in electric-field. However, it is still not efficient enough for charge mobility especially for particulate semiconductors, as the field is primarily in one direction from inner to surface. Here, we propose a multilocal gradient-doping technique that a nano-capsule is designed to store dopants and then release them into semiconductors nonuniformly. As an illustration, scattered pyrochlore-type K2Ta2O6 nanoparticles have been validated the capability of storing and releasing K+, which subsequently diffuse into the substrate PCN. Multi point-radiative gradient in K+ concentration, confined within the K2Ta2O6’s vicinity, will construct several 3D potential wells which can not only accelerate the carrier separation but also offer more migration channels for both photo-induced electrons and holes to the surface. Consequently, the multilocal K+ gradient-doping PCN shows the longest carriers’ lifetime and highest AQY (∼21.8% at 400 nm) compared with the other uniformly doping techniques.