Efficient solar photo-electrochemical hydrogen generation using nanocrystalline CeFeO3 synthesized by a modified microwave assisted method. (20th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manwar, Nilesh R.; Borkar, Rajnikant G.; Khobragade, Rohini; Rayalu, Sadhana S.; Jain, Suman L.; Bansiwal, Amit K.; Labhsetwar, Nitin K.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 42:Number 16(2017)
• Page Start: 10931
• Page End: 10942
• Publication Date: 2017-04-20
• Subjects: CeFeO3 -- Photo-electrochemical -- Solar hydrogen -- Microwave -- Solar light; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.01.227
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Pure phase of CeFeO3 perovskite was synthesized by using a modified microwave-assisted method and was systematically studied by photo-electrochemical (PEC) investigations for water splitting reaction. Characterization studies confirm the formation of crystalline orthorhombic single phase perovskite structure with space group Pbnm and having agglomerated sponge-like morphology with nano size grains. DRS shows broad absorption in UV–Visible region, while tauc plot also inferred estimated band gap of 1.9 eV. The photo-activity of their screen printed thin film was analyzed by PEC studies, which includes photocurrent, EIS spectra, MS-plot, J-V plots. On illumination, EIS analysis of CeFeO3 reveals improved charge transfer at interfaces of semiconductor/electrolyte. The photocurrent density difference of CeFeO3 was increased to 6.9 mA cm −2 at an applied bias of 1.5 V vs (Ag/AgCl). PEC H2 evolution shows significant cumulative hydrogen rate of 12.3 μmol cm −2 h −1 . All these results reveal that the microwave-synthesized CeFeO3 is a potential candidate for PEC application under the visible light illumination. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A facile and modified microwave assisted synthesis of CeFeO3 has been demonstrated. PEC properties for H2 generation were systematically investigated by WS reaction. J–V plot shows high photocurrent difference of 2.8 mA cm −2 at 1.23 V vs Ag/AgCl. PEC H2 evolution was quite significant shows cumulative H2 of 12.3 μmol cm −2 h −1 . CeFeO3 exhibit great potential to be used as efficient photoelectrocatalyst.