Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting and photocatalytic degradation performance of visible light active ZnIn2S4/PANI nanocomposite. (22nd January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khosya, Mohit; Kumar, Dheeraj; Faraz, Mohd; Khare, Neeraj
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 48:Number 7(2023)
• Page Start: 2518
• Page End: 2531
• Publication Date: 2023-01-22
• Subjects: ZnIn2S4 -- PANI -- Heterojunction -- PEC water Splitting -- Methylene blue dye; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.10.034
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: In our work, zinc indium sulfide coupled polyaniline (ZnIn2 S4 /PANI) nanocomposites were synthesized using chemisorption method. The substantial enhancement in the photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting activity under visible light illumination was demonstrated. ZnIn2 S4 /PANI nanocomposites were shown ∼3 times improvement in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye as compared to bare ZnIn2 S4 (ZIS) nanoflakes. In addition, the ZIS/PANI nanocomposite photoelectrode was exhibited ∼3 times enhancement in photocurrent density (∼260 μA/cm 2 at 0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl) as compared to ZnIn2 S4 photoelectrode. However, the ZIS/PANI photoanode was demonstrated ∼5 fold enhancement in the incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) than bare ZIS. The enhancement in the photodegradation and PEC water splitting activity of ZIS/PANI nanocomposite is ascribed to extended visible light absorption, and synergetic effect of PANI along with type-II heterojunction formation, which is beneficial for separation of charge and faster transfer efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. This study demonstrates that establishing a heterostructure system by coupling a ternary chalcogenide semiconductor with a conducting polymer is effective for photocatalytic wastewater treatment and PEC water splitting applications. Highlights: ZnIn2 S4 nanoflakes were synthesized by hydrothermal method. ZnIn2 S4 /PANI nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple chemisorption method. ZnIn2 S4 /PANI nanocomposites shows enhanced photocatalytic activity and PEC performance. The stability and reusability of ZnIn2 S4 /PANI nanocomposites were confirmed.