Potent and environmental-friendly l-cysteine @ Fe2O3 nanostructure for photoelectrochemical water splitting. (1st January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qiu, Ping; Yang, Hongfei; Song, Yu; Yang, Lianjie; Lv, Lijun; Zhao, Xiong; Ge, Lei; Chen, Changfeng
• Is Part Of: Electrochimica acta. Volume 259(2018)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 93
• Publication Date: 2018-01-01
• Subjects: l-cysteine -- Fe2O3 nanotubes -- Mild steel -- Water splitting; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; Electrochemistry, Industrial -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2017.10.168
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4686

Abstract

Abstract: This work has reported a simple, environmental-friendly, low-cost and relatively high efficient method of L-cys @ Fe2 O3 NTs photoanode preparation. The designed specimen was composed of hematite nanotubes obtained by electrochemical anodization on mild steel, which surface was covered byl -cysteine thin layer. With the overlayer, the water oxidation photocurrent of hematite increased approximately sixfold (1.23 V vs RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode) under 1 sun illumination). To reveal the enhanced PEC performance, multiple analyses including the sample surface morphological and chemical properties, optical and electronic properties, and photoelectrochemical properties were explored. The combined results suggested that L-cys @ Fe2 O3 NTs photoanode presented more efficient hole migration pathway, lower interfacial resistance, and superior surface stability than pure nanostructured hematite. Graphical abstract: This study prepared well arrayed hematite nanotube by electrochemical anodization on mild steel. After depositingl -cysteine on it, an enhanced OER performance was observed. This is attributed to more efficient hole migration pathway, lower interfacial resistance, and superior surface stability than pure nanostructured hematite through chemical bonding of the nucleophile center ofl -cysteine including carboxylate and thiol group to the substrate. The highlight of this study is to supply a simple and effective method on PEC water splitting and attempt to explain the mechanism. Highlights: This photoanode is simple and effective on PEC water splitting. The photoanode is composed of hematite nanotube and L-cysteine top-layer. This structure could facilitate hole migration. The OER current approximately increases sixfold than conventional hematite nanotube.