Growth and properties of solvothermally derived highly crystalline Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles for photocatalytic and electrocatalytic applications. (30th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burhanuz Zaman, M.; Mir, Rameez Ahmad; Poolla, Rajaram
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 44:Number 41(2019)
• Page Start: 23023
• Page End: 23033
• Publication Date: 2019-08-30
• Subjects: Cu2ZnSnS4 -- Solvothermal -- Nanoparticles -- Photocatalysis -- Electrocatalysis; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2019.07.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: This work reports the photocatalytic and electrocatalytic applications of solvothermally derived Cu2 ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanoparticles. The synthesized material was applied for the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB), a carcinogenic dye. The nanoparticles degrade 83% of RhB in the presence of visible light (589 nm) illumination. A negligible fall in the degradation percentage after 3 photocatalytic cycles and post catalytic properties demonstrate the excellent photostability of the nanostructure. The electrocatalytic performance of CZTS for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) through water splitting and charge storage reveals their potential applications for efficient electrochemical energy systems. The nanoparticles show excellent electrocatalytic performance for HER as indicated by the low Tafel slope. The Linear Sweep Voltametry (LSV) plot performed after 1000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles shows negligible loss of current confirming the good stability of the nanostructure. Chronoamperometry (CA) performed at constant potential shows negligible loss of current for 12 h, which confirms that the synthesized CZTS is a potential and durable candidate for electrochemical applications. The material is highly stable in both the processes; electrocatalysis as well as photocatalysis. Highlights: Single phase CZTS nanoparticles synthesized using a facile solvothermal method. The CZTS is found stable in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis applications. The nanoparticles photodegrade 83% of RhB dye in 100 min of sodium light exposure. Excellent electrocatalytic performance for HER as seen by the low Tafel slope. EDLC value in H2 SO4 higher than for Pt demonstrating the potential of the material.