Bandgap control of p-n heterojunction of Cu–Cu2O @ ZnO with modified reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. (30th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vuong, Hoai-Thanh; Mahvelati-Shamsabadi, Tahereh; Dang, Thanh Truong; Dao, Quang Duc; Shin, Eun Woo; Chung, Jin Suk
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 55(2022)
• Page Start: 23249
• Page End: 23263
• Publication Date: 2022-06-30
• Subjects: ZnO -- Cu–Cu2O -- Modified RGO -- Hydrogen evolution; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.05.139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Here, we describe the in-situ synthesis of multicomponent ZnO-based photocatalysts for hydrogen production. We fabricated ZnO coupled with Cu–Cu2 O nanoparticles and modified reduced graphene oxide (mRGO) to ameliorate hydrogen production. The simultaneous introduction of mRGO and Cu–Cu2 O enhanced the generation rate of photocatalytic hydrogen to 3085.02 μmol g −1 h −1 due to significant alteration of the electronic structure. The bandgap energy of the prepared catalysts decreased from 3.2 eV for pristine ZnO to 2.64 eV for a composite containing 15% Cu–Cu2 O. The optimal designed heterostructure efficiently separates photo charge carriers and prevents charge carriers' recombination by accelerating charge transfer with the help of mRGO and metallic Cu and as a result leading to efficient hydrogen yields. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A novel Cu–Cu2 O@ZnO/mRGO for photocatalytic applications was fabricated. Bandgap energy of materials was controlled by Cu–Cu2 O content. Organic solvent synthesis caused more defects in photocatalysts. Optimal sample showed excellent hydrogen evolution performance. The sulfurization caused the increase in hydrogen rate.