One-pot synthesis of TiO2/Sb2S3/RGO complex multicomponent heterostructures for highly enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting. (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elbakkay, Mohamed H.; El Rouby, Waleed M.A.; Mariño-López, Andrea; Sousa-Castillo, Ana; Salgueiriño, Verónica; El-Dek, S.I.; Farghali, Ahmed A.; Correa-Duarte, Miguel A.; Millet, Pierre
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 46:Number 61(2021)
• Page Start: 31216
• Page End: 31227
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: TiO2/Sb2S3/RGO hybrids -- Sb2S3 rod-like bundles -- Band alignment -- Chalcogenide-based catalysts -- Photoelectrochemical water oxidation; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2021.07.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: The development of new sources of renewable energy fuels like hydrogen remains challenging considering the nowadays society energy needs on a day-to-day basis. In this context, hybrid nanostructures conformed by TiO2 nanoparticles sensitized with bundles of rod-like Sb2 S3 (stibnite) on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (TiO2 /Sb2 S3 /RGO), can pave the way in this direction, as offering heterostructures that can be employed as the active phase in photo-anodes for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. For that, these TiO2 /Sb2 S3 /RGO heterostructures are able to extend the light absorption to the visible range, enhance the charge separation and transportation, and improve the conductivity of the catalyst. Furthermore, the method of synthesis, though simple, implies a one-pot strategy by which the TiO2 nanoparticles and the Sb2 S3 rod-like particles are independently produced at the surface of RGO sheets, warranties the proper improved function of the hybrids and offers the engineering of future chalcogenide-based catalysts with promising water splitting photoelectrochemical properties. Graphical abstract: Schematic illustration of the mechanism of the PEC water splitting of TiO2 /Sb2 S3 /RGO photoanodes nanocomposites. Image 1 Highlights: One-pot synthesis of new TiO2 /Sb2 S3 /RGO electrode hybrids via hydrothermal method. Sb2 S3 bundles and RGO act as light absorbers and the conductive media, respectively. These three-component electrodes are employed for PEC water oxidation. TiO2 /Sb2 S3 /10%RGO electrode shows the largest photocurrent density (400% larger than TiO2 ). Large electron lifetime values revealed low recombination and facilitated electron transfers.