Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting using zinc selenide/graphitic carbon nitride type-II heterojunction interface. (21st July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sitara, Effat; Nasir, Habib; Mumtaz, Asad; Ehsan, Muhammad Fahad; Sohail, Manzar; Iram, Sadia; Bukhari, Syeda Aqsa Batool; Ullah, Sharif; Akhtar, Tehmina; Iqbal, Azhar
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 50(2021)
• Page Start: 25424
• Page End: 25435
• Publication Date: 2021-07-21
• Subjects: Zinc selenide -- Graphitic carbon nitride -- Water splitting -- Type-II heterostructure; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.05.054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: The objective of this research is to construct a type-II heterojunction interface for effective photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting for hydrogen generation. A series of ZnSe/ g -C3 N4 heterojunctions is prepared by ultrasonication procedure and tested for PEC water splitting for the first time. The successful formation of ZnSe/ g -C3 N4 is confirmed by phase, morphological and optical analysis. Linear sweep voltammetry of 0.05 ZG (0.05% ZnSe/ g -C3 N4 ) showed a six-fold higher photocurrent density of 500 μA than g -C3 N4 . These results are supported by the Tafel slopes and PL (photoluminescence spectroscopy) studies by showing the smallest slope and lesser electron-hole recombination for 0.05 ZG. Increased lifetime of 107 ms and a higher donor density of 3.6 × 10 19 cm −3 for 0.05 ZG is observed. The smallest semicircle for 0.05 ZG in EIS implies the least charge transfer resistance among the prepared heterojunctions. All the results comply with each other showing the successful formation of type-II heterojunction for enhanced PEC water splitting. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: ZnSe/ g -C3 N4 type II heterostructures were prepared by ultrasonication. A high photocurrent density of 500 μA was observed for 0.05 ZG. A lifetime of 107 ms and higher donor density of 3.6 × 10 19 cm −3 was achieved.