Semiconductor-ionic properties and device performance of heterogeneous La-doped CeO2-ZnO nanocomposites. (26th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Xin; Dong, Bao; Islam, Quazi Arif; Song, Huaibing; Wu, Yan
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 15(2021)
• Page Start: 9968
• Page End: 9975
• Publication Date: 2021-02-26
• Subjects: Heterogeneous nanocomposites -- La-doped CeO2-ZnO -- Semiconductor-ionic composite -- Photocatalyst -- Solid oxide fuel cell; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.04.174
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Heterogeneous La-doped CeO2 (LCO)-ZnO nanocomposites have been synthesized via a facile wet-chemical approach for multifunctional applications. It is found that such LCO-ZnO with the Zn/Ce ratio of 9:1 demonstrates the highest photoactivity under visible light irradiation. Apart from the photocatalytic application, this material has also been used as the electrolyte membrane of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The best device of SOFC composed of 10% LCO-ZnO composite achieved 922 mW cm -2 output along with an open circuit voltage of 1.10 V at 550 °C. Heterogeneous semiconductor-ionic composite of the heterogeneous LCO-ZnO nanocomposite result in high charge-hole pairs separation and ionic conduction which attributes the efficient multifunctional activity of the synthesized material. The built-in field directed at the junction may promote ions (H + and O 2 - ) transport to pass through the semiconductor-ionic LCO-ZnO membrane layer. This work is the first discovery on the LCO-ZnO semiconductor-ionic materials as a potential candidate for renewable energies to electricity conversions. Highlights: LCO-ZnO heterostructure semiconductor showed a high photocatlytic property for organic molecules. The LCO-ZnO composite fuel cell achieved 922 mW cm -2 output with OCV of 1.1 V at 550 °C. The build-in electric field at the heterojunction may promote ions transport through the semiconductor-ionic membrane. LCO-ZnO is a promising candidate for both solar-to-hydrogen energy and electricity conversion technologies.