Dual function of rhodium photodeposition on ZnO/ZnS: Enhanced H2 production and photocorrosion suppression in water. (26th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khan, Sovann; Poliukhova, Valeriia; Tamir, Nomin; Park, Jaehyun; Suzuki, Norihiro; Terashima, Chiaki; Katsumata, Ken-Ichi; Cho, So-Hye
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 48:Number 26(2023)
• Page Start: 9713
• Page End: 9722
• Publication Date: 2023-03-26
• Subjects: ZnO/ZnS/Rh -- Stability -- Photocorrosion -- H2 production -- Photocatalysis; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.12.045
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: It is widely known that semiconductors such as ZnO and ZnS tend to be unstable in water-splitting photocatalysis due to self-corrosion by the photogenerated charges under prolonged light irradiation. In this work, we demonstrate that proper engineering of photodeposition of Rh species on ZnO–ZnS heterostructure (ZnO/ZnS) can enhance their photocatalytic activity and secure their stability at the same time. During the Rh photodeposition, both electrons and holes generated on the surface of ZnO/ZnS contributed to the formation of Rh 0 metal and Rh-oxides on its surface. Our results have shown that as little as 0.02 at.% of Rh photodeposition can dramatically increase the activity and reduce self-corrosion of ZnO/ZnS during photocatalytic H2 production from pure water. The average H2 production rate of our optimal catalyst was 0.05 at.%. Rh-loaded ZnO/ZnS was ∼5.31 mmol −1 g −1 h −1, reaching a maximum quantum efficiency of 22.9% at 365 nm. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: ZnO/ZnS/Rh multijunction photocatalyst is developed. Photocorrossion of ZnO/ZnS is addressed by Rh photodeposition engineering. Hydrogen production from pure water is presented. ZnO/ZnS/Rh is proved to be an efficient and stable photocatalyst.