Recent advances of cobalt-based nitride catalysts in solar energy conversion

Abstract

Solar energy harnessing and conversion has attracted considerable research interest. Photo(electro)catalysis based approaches offer one of the methods for moving forward. In recent times, cobalt-based nitrides, with their excellent catalytic properties and unique electronic structure, have attracted attention in the field of solar energy conversion. Here, we mainly focus on photo(electro)catalytic solar energy conversion over cobalt-based nitride catalysts. The classification of cobalt-based nitrides, including single monometallic cobalt-based nitrides, transition metal doped cobalt-based nitrides and bimetal cobalt-based nitrides, and their current mainstream synthesis strategies are discussed. In addition, the latest advances of cobalt-based nitrides with various functional roles in photo(electro)catalytic solar energy conversion are discussed. Finally, a summary is given of the challenges and opportunities in cobalt-based nitride photoelectrocatalysts.