A Brief introduction of the Speaker
Jimmy C. Yu is Research Professor and Emeritus Choh-Ming Li Professor of Chemistry at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Before retiring from teaching, he was Head of United College from 2012 to 2022. Prof. Yu is a leading scientist in photocatalysis research, and he holds several patents on the fabrication and application of photocatalytic nanomaterials. As a highly cited researcher, Prof. Yu has received numerous honors including a State Natural Science Award and Chang Jiang Scholar Chair Professorship.
Abstract
Photocatalysis is a growing field for harnessing solar energy to drive chemical reactions and clean pollutants. This talk will briefly trace the history of photocatalysis before delving into metal-free photocatalysts made from abundant elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Drawing inspiration from Earth's early atmosphere, rich in methane and ammonia, we can produce nitrogen-doped carbon photocatalysts from these gases via plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. This process may have significantly contributed to geological and atmospheric chemistry in the Archean era. Today, a more sustainable method involves deriving carbon-based photocatalysts from biomass like agricultural residues and waste paper. Phosphorus, another abundant element essential for plant nutrition, exists in multiple forms, with red phosphorus identified in 2012 as an effective photocatalyst for water splitting under visible light. The current advancements and future potential of photocatalysis will also be explored, highlighting its role in sustainable chemistry.
