Ternary and quaternary thiospinel nanocrystals with adjustable compositions: effects of Band-Gaps and nanostructures on Visible-Light-Driven photocatalytic H2 evolution. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sarilmaz, A.; Yanalak, G.; Aslan, E.; Akyildiz, H.; Patir, I.H.; Ozel, F.
• Is Part Of: Materials today energy. Volume 16(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: CuNiCoS4 -- CuCo5S8 -- CuCo2S4 -- Water splitting -- Hydrogen evolution; Energy development -- Periodicals; Energy industries -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Energy policy -- Periodicals; Energy development; Energy industries; Energy policy; Power resources; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtener.2020.100413
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-6069

Abstract

Abstract: Ternary and quaternary structured thiospinel nanocrystals are important materials for energy applications based on their outstanding characteristics such as earth abundant components, non-toxic nature and simple production. In this study, CuNiCoS4, CuCo5 S8 and CuCo2 S4 nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized via hot injection-method with generalized synthesis conditions and detailed structural, optical and electrochemical characterizations were performed for the first time. The characterization results indicated that the nanocrystals were single phase, nearly stoichiometric composition and a mean size below 10 nm. Moreover, the synthesized nanocrystals have been used for the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution as a catalyst under visible light irradiation. In these reactions, CuNiCoS4 nanocrystals exhibited higher photocatalytic activity and stability than the others. CuNiCoS4 and CuCo5 S8 catalyst have firstly been proven as valuable alternatives to CuCo2 S4 structure and Platinum in hydrogen evolution reactions and are of particular interest due to lower costs, ease of fabrication and comparable evolution performance. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: We report a general fabrication strategy for CuNiCoS4, CuCo5 S8 and CuCo2 S4 nanocrystals. The detailed electrochemical-optical properties were examined for the first time. The electronic band features were examined for the first time. The photocatalytic performances of CuNiCoS4 and CuCo5 S8 were examined for the first time. This cheap, efficient and stable catalyst can play a role for energy storage and conversion.