Co3C as a promising cocatalyst for superior photocatalytic H2 production based on swift electron transfer processes. Issue 9 (5th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Irfan, Rana Muhammad; Tahir, Mudassir Hussain; Iqbal, Shahid; Nadeem, Mubashar; Bashir, Tariq; Maqsood, Mudassar; Zhao, Jianqing; Gao, Lijun
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 9:Issue 9(2021)
• Page Start: 3145
• Page End: 3154
• Publication Date: 2021-02-05
• Subjects: Materials -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Optical materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Electronics -- Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/d0tc05674j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7526

Abstract

Abstract : The inexpensive Co3 C proved itself as highly efficient cocatalyst to generate economical H2. An apparent quantum yield of 19% was achieved which is among the best reported carbide-based cocatalysts. Abstract : Photocatalytic hydrogen production using solar energy has been envisaged as an ultimate energy solution for the future. However, expensive and noble-metal based photocatalysts limit its industrial applications. Herein, highly efficient photocatalytic H2 production has been achieved using Co3 C as a noble-metal-free cocatalyst on CdS nanorods (NRs). An enhanced hydrogen evolution rate of 315 μmol h −1 was obtained using the optimized photocatalyst. 420 nm light, an apparent quantum yield of 19% was achieved which is among the best reported carbide-based catalysts. To study the versatile role of Co3 C as a cocatalyst, ZnIn2 S4 and g-C3 N4 nanosheets were employed as photosensitizers. The obtained results successfully demonstrated that Co3 C has the ability to play a role as a universal cocatalyst for photocatalytic H2 production. Electrochemical and spectroscopic studies were utilized to propose an appropriate mechanism for the present excellent photocatalytic H2 production. This study showed that Co3 C has excessive potential as a promising cocatalyst for inexpensive H2 production.