Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from reduced graphene oxide-defect rich TiO2-x nanocomposites. (8th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: S., Jagadeesh Babu; Muniyappa, Murthy; V., Navakoteswara Rao; Mudike, Ravi; Shastri, Mahesh; Tathagata, Sardar; Shivaramu, Prasanna D.; M.V., Shankar; C.S., Ananda Kumar; Rangappa, Dinesh
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 95(2022)
• Page Start: 40242
• Page End: 40253
• Publication Date: 2022-12-08
• Subjects: TiO2-x -- RGO/TiO2-x -- Defect rich TiO2 -- Photocatalyst -- Photo anode -- Solar hydrogen generation; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.07.115
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Solar-driven photocatalytic hydrogen generation by splitting water molecules requires an efficient visible light active photocatalyst. This work reports an improved hydrogen evolution activity of visible light active TiO2-x photocatalyst by introducing reduced graphene oxide via an eco-friendly and cost-effective hydrothermal method. This process facilitates graphene oxide reduction and incorporates intrinsic defects in TiO2 lattice at a one-pot reaction process. The characteristic studies reveal that RGO/TiO2-x nanocomposites were sufficiently durable and efficient for photocatalytic hydrogen generation under the visible light spectrum. The altered band gap of TiO2-x rationally promotes the visible light absorption, and the RGO sheets present in the composites suppresses the electron-hole recombination, which accelerates the charge transfer. Hence, the noble metal-free RGO/TiO2-x photocatalyst exhibited hydrogen production with a rate of 13.6 mmol h −1 g −1 cat. under solar illumination. The appreciable photocatalytic hydrogen generation activity of 947.2 μmol h −1 g −1 cat with 117 μAcm −2 photocurrent density was observed under visible light (>450 nm). Highlights: One pot synthesis of defect engineered TiO2-x and RGO/TiO2-x nanocomposites. The influence of RGO on defect-rich TiO2-x shown significant improvement in opto-electronic properties. Addition of RGO in TiO2-x enhances the charge transfer by reducing electron hole recombination. RGO/TiO2-x nanocomposite remarkably enhances rate of Hydrogen evolution under solar and visible spectrum.