Solar/photoelectrocatalytic cell development for H2 production and simultaneous organic dye degradation. (15th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thongthep, Pattranit; Moonmangmee, Somporn; Ponchio, Chatchai
• Is Part Of: Materials science in semiconductor processing. Volume 124(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-15
• Subjects: Solar cell -- Photoelectrocatalytic cell -- Hydrogen production -- Organic dye degradation -- Cu2O thin film; Semiconductors -- Periodicals; Integrated circuits -- Materials -- Periodicals; Semiconducteurs -- Périodiques; Circuits intégrés -- Matériaux -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 621.38152
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mssp.2020.105597
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-8001

Abstract

Abstract: The situation of alternative energy and environmental management is an urgent problem that must be solved. This research aims to improve photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) cells for hydrogen (H2 ) production and simultaneous organic degradation as an alternative way to solve this problems. We developed Cu2 O film fabrication using a cyclic voltammetry deposition (CVD) method for optimal H2 production efficiency. We designed the PEC cell using a Cu2 O photocathode developed in conjunction with a WO3 /BiVO4 photoanode for simultaneous H2 production and organic dye degradation. The PEC cell was then designed to separate H2 gas from the system, including the solar cells as bias potential units to save energy in the operation process. The Cu2 O photocathode shows high efficiency of H2 production related to its absorption properties and morphology, as well as a charge transfer rate improvement. The optimum conditions for FTO/Cu2 O electrode fabrication was the precursor solution's original pH value and a scan rate of 50 mV/s for 20 cycles with hydrogen generation of 5.9 mL/h. The developed solar/PEC cell presents high efficiency for methylene blue (MB) degradation up to 97% for 3 h under an applied potential of 0.4 V and visible light irradiation. The highlight of this developed cell is a high-efficiency Cu2 O cathode for H2 production, and the designed PEC cell can simultaneously eliminate organic waste. Notably, the design of the solar cell panel as an applied potential unit can reduce the energy consumption of the system. This developed solar/PEC cell suitable for the alternative energy and waste water treatment applications. Highlights: Cu2O thin film fabrication using a CVD method presents high-efficiency H2 production. Cu2 O thin film obtained a narrow bandgap energy, high porosity and high charge transfer rate. The designed solar/PEC cell can simultaneously H2 production and MB dye degradation. The solar cell panel as an applied potential unit can reduce the energy consumption of the system.