Fabrication of novel ZnTe-based photocatalyst: Synergistic effect of dye sensitization and bridge engineering for boosting hydrogen evolution over ZnTe. (12th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dong, Mei; Li, Wenjun; Ren, Chaojun; Ma, Xiaohui; Li, Xinyang; Liu, Shujing; Li, Yanyan; Chen, Shaowei
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 22(2022)
• Page Start: 11500
• Page End: 11510
• Publication Date: 2022-03-12
• Subjects: ZnTe nanoparticles -- WC -- EY sensitization -- Electron bridge -- Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.01.172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Herein, a novel ZnTe-based photocatalyst is successfully synthesized via a facile combination of water-bath and hydrothermal processes. Morphology characterization and X-ray diffraction analysis reveal that ZnTe presents irregular granular shape and cubic crystal structure. Moreover, Mott-Schottky measurement shows that the conduction band potential of ZnTe is −0.84 V (vs NHE). With Eosin Y (EY) sensitization, ZnTe exhibits superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity (223.5 μmol g −1 h −1 ). Meanwhile, WC-ZnTe heterojunction is constructed by depositing ZnTe nanoparticles on bulk WC and obtains the optimal H2 generation rate (559.1 μmol g −1 h −1 ) under EY sensitization. Electrochemical and photoluminescence results further prove that WC as electron bridge could reduce the interfacial resistance and suppress e − -h + pairs recombination. This study explores the potential application of ZnTe as a newly active photocatalyst in photocatalytic water splitting, and emphasizes the synergistic effect of dye sensitization and bridge engineering. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A novel ZnTe-based photocatalysts were successfully synthesized. WC-ZnTe heterojunction obtained a H2 generation rate of 559.1 μmol g −1 h −1 . WC as electron bridge effectively facilitate electron migration/separation. Emphasize the synergistic effect of dye sensitization and bridge engineering.