Cu–Ni Bimetal Integrated TiO₂ Thin Film for Enhanced Solar Hydrogen Generation

Abstract

A series of non‐noble Cu–Ni bimetallic catalysts is prepared with different molar proportions of metals. Of these bimetallic catalysts, 1 wt% is subsequently integrated with titania P25. The catalysts are evaluated for solar hydrogen generation under 1 sun condition in both the powder and thin film forms. All the photocatalysts in the thin film exhibit an 8–24 times higher hydrogen yield (HY) compared with the corresponding particulate counterpart. The highest HY (41.7 mmol h−1 g−1) is demonstrated for the photocatalyst Cu–Ni/TiO2 (CNT; 1:1 = Cu:Ni) in the thin film form, which is 24 times higher than that with its powder counterpart (1.75 mmol h−1 g−1) and exceeds the performance of other Cu–Ni/TiO2 compositions. This enhanced activity in the thin film can be ascribed to improved absorption of visible light and an effective separation of photogenerated charge carriers at the interface of Cu–Ni/TiO2 leading to better charge carrier utilization.

Rationally Designed, Efficient, and Earth-Abundant Ni–Fe Cocatalysts for Solar Hydrogen Generation

“…This observation hints at a possible interaction of NF31 with TiO 2 lattice, which is expected to occur through oxygen vacancy sites of TiO 2 , which in turn leads to a larger distortion of TiO 2 . 4,24 It is to be noted that the distortion happens with rutile feature too at 2θ = 27.5°hinting the cocatalyst is integrated with anatase and rutile phase in a similar manner.…”

“…The XPS spectra of Ti 2p showed two features at 458.6 and 464.3 eV, corresponding to Ti 2p 3/2 and Ti 2p 1/2 core levels respectively, indicating the presence of Ti in the Ti 4+ oxidation state (Figure 6a). 4,24 A narrow and symmetric line shape for the Ti 2p core levels hints that there is no other oxidation state present. In contrast, the deconvoluted XPS spectra of O 1s showed two distinct broad features at BE of 529.8 and 531.6 eV; the 529.8 eV feature is attributed to typical oxide (O 2− ) ions in the TiO 2 lattice.…”

Recent insights into SnO2-based engineered nanoparticles for sustainable H2generation and remediation of pesticides

“…55 Henceforth, numerous photocatalysts have been established for highly stable water splitting reactions. [56][57][58][59] Shudo et al reported the photocatalytic reaction of rGO and transition metal hybrids for H 2 generation. 60 Zhang et al studied water splitting using the Pt/g-C 3 N 4 photocatalyst without sacrificial reagents, 61 while Liu et al discussed water splitting on silicon nanowires.…”

Three-Dimensional Carbonaceous Aerogels Embedded with Rh-SrTiO3 for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Triggered by Efficient Charge Transfer and Light Absorption

“…The use of sunlight for photocatalytic hydrogen (H 2 ) production is considered as a sustainable, cleaner, and one of the alternative technologies to meet the present and future energy requirements. In addition, it can also be utilized as feedstock for different catalytic processes, such as for carbon dioxide reduction and nitrogen fixation to synthesize value-added liquid fuels, like methanol and ammonia, which are easy to store and handle. − In this regard, H 2 production through heterogeneous photocatalysis has gained considerable attention in comparison to the other fossil-fuel-based H 2 production methods like steam reforming, which liberates a huge amount of greenhouse gas, CO 2 , as a byproduct. , Nevertheless, for efficient harvesting of sunlight, it is highly desirable to develop narrow-band-gap photocatalytic materials, which can produce H 2 from water under visible light as it constitutes a major portion of the solar spectrum. , In this regard, several photocatalysts, including binary, ternary, and multicomponent systems, have been synthesized to alleviate the basic problems (low absorption and fast charge recombination) of this process and to enhance the solar-to-H 2 conversion efficiency. − However, the assimilation of the merits of each component in such systems for achieving high light absorption and decreased recombination is a complex task, which can be carried out by opting smart synthesis routes for their meticulous design and development.…”

“…1−3 In this regard, H 2 production through heterogeneous photocatalysis has gained considerable attention in comparison to the other fossil-fuel-based H 2 production methods like steam reforming, which liberates a huge amount of greenhouse gas, CO 2 , as a byproduct. 4,5 Nevertheless, for efficient harvesting of sunlight, it is highly desirable to develop narrow-band-gap photocatalytic materials, which can produce H 2 from water under visible light as it constitutes a major portion of the solar spectrum. 6,7 In this regard, several photocatalysts, including binary, ternary, and multicomponent systems, have been synthesized to alleviate the basic problems (low absorption and fast charge recombination) of this process and to enhance the solar-to-H 2 conversion efficiency.…”