In the field of clean energy, photocatalytic hydrogen production technology has always been a research hotspot. Recently, a joint team from Northwestern Polytechnical University and Soochow University published an important achievement in Advanced Materials, successfully enhancing the photocatalytic hydrogen production efficiency of ZnIn₂S₄ (ZIS) to 18.19 mmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ through ultrasonic pressure-assisted regulation of the surface In-S layer, achieving a 32-fold increase compared to the original material! This breakthrough result is greatly supported by the precise assistance of the μGAS1000 micro gas reaction evaluation system.
In the experiment, the research team utilized the ultrasonic pressure effect to selectively introduce Ni into the In-S layer, achieving atomic-level precise regulation. At the same time, they used the μGAS1000 micro gas reaction evaluation system for high-precision detection and analysis of hydrogen generated from the photocatalytic reaction. This device, with its high sensitivity, rapid response, and stable performance, provides a solid guarantee for the activity assessment of the modified catalysts. Furthermore, the team monitored the hydrogen generation rate in real-time using μGAS1000, allowing for precise evaluation of the performance of catalysts with different transition metals and the original catalyst, thus quickly optimizing experimental parameters to produce excellent catalysts, ultimately achieving a 32-fold efficiency increase.
Figure 1 a) Atomic models of ZIS, b) Zn-ZIS, and c) In-ZIS; d) Free energy diagram of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER); e) Schematic of Zn-S layer or In-S layer regulation; f) Formation energies of different transition metals (Fe, Co, Cr, and Ni) replacing different sites in ZIS under ambient and pressure conditions, with corresponding atomic models illustrated; g) Hydrogen production rates of ZIS and ZIS with different metals introduced; h) Comparative analysis of hydrogen production rates.
Based on the excellent performance of the μGAS1000 micro gas reaction evaluation system, the company has further launched the upgraded version of the μGAS1001 micro gas reaction evaluation system. The new generation system not only has significantly improved intelligence but also features a more compact structure, greatly reducing the footprint on the experimental table. For cutting-edge topics such as photocatalytic overall water splitting, CO₂ reduction, and photo/electrocatalytic hydrogen and oxygen production, the μGAS1001 provides researchers with a more intelligent and efficient experimental experience, facilitating continuous breakthroughs in multiple fields.
Figure 2 μGAS1001 micro gas reaction evaluation system
No.1 Intelligent Touchscreen Control, More Convenient to Use
7-inch LCD touchscreen for real-time control of the entire system and experiments.
Figure 3 Touchscreen Control Interface
No.2 Precise Circulation and Sampling, More Reliable Analysis
▷ Standard curve linear regression R² > 0.999 (Linear R² of H₂ from 0.1 to 10 mL = 0.99968);
▷ Continuous sampling of the same concentration shows an RSD < 3% (RSD of the first 4 samplings of H₂ is 0.24%);
▷ System dynamic oxygen leakage rate is less than 0.1 μmol/h.
Figure 4 (a) H₂ Standard Curve; (b) Peak area chart of H₂ from four consecutive samplings at the same concentration and (c) 6-hour dynamic oxygen leakage rate test
No.3 Diverse Reactor Types
Adaptable to Various Application Scenarios
▷ Multiple reactor options available, with the possibility for custom designs;
▷ Supports various types of reactions such as gas-solid phase, gas-liquid-solid phase photocatalysis, photo/electrocatalysis, electro-catalysis, and photothermal catalysis.
Figure 5 Online Reactors (including overall water splitting, CO₂ reduction, gas-solid phase, single-chamber three-electrode, and dual-chamber three-electrode reactors)
No.4 Smaller Size, Space-Saving
The μGAS1001 micro gas reaction evaluation system features a compact structure, reducing its overall volume to 75% of the original, significantly saving experimental table space and allowing for more flexible operation and layout.
One-Stop Solution
To assist research teams in tackling challenges efficiently, the company can provide a one-stop solution for photo/electro/thermal catalysis. The complete solution includes all necessary equipment for sample pretreatment, reactors, gas sampling, and detection analysis, eliminating the need for multiple procurement and assembly.
▷ The company's light source models are diverse and can be placed flexibly to meet various experimental needs;
▷ The system can connect to gas chromatography/electrochemical workstations for precise detection of products/Faraday efficiency calculations.
Figure 6 One-Stop Solution
For each user's specific issues, the company's team will design tailored solutions to ensure high compatibility and efficiency of the system, making it ready for use and allowing researchers to focus more on experimental innovation.
With the continuous upgrades of the μGAS product series, the company will continuously provide more professional and efficient research equipment for cutting-edge studies in photocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and more, working hand in hand with researchers towards a new future of green energy.
