Design and Characterization of Zeolite/Serpentine Nanocomposite Photocatalyst for Solar Hydrogen Generation

Abstract

In this work, a low-cost, high-yield hydrothermal treatment was used to produce nanozeolite (Zeo), nanoserpentine (Serp), and Zeo/Serp nanocomposites with weight ratios of 1:1 and 2:1. At 250 °C for six hours, the hydrothermal treatment was conducted. Various methods are used to explore the morphologies, structures, compositions, and optical characteristics of the generated nanostructures. The morphological study revealed structures made of nanofibers, nanorods, and hybrid nanofibril/nanorods. The structural study showed clinoptilolite monoclinic zeolite and antigorite monoclinic serpentine with traces of talcum mineral and carbonates. As a novel photoelectrochemical catalyst, the performance of the Zeo/Serp (2:1) composite was evaluated for solar hydrogen generation from water splitting relative to its constituents. At −1 V, the Zeo/Serp (2:1) composite produced a maximum current density of 8.44 mA/g versus 7.01, 6.74, and 6.6 mA/g for hydrothermally treated Zeo/Serp (1:1), Zeo, and Serp, respectively. The Zeo/Serp (2:1) photocatalysts had a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency (STH) of 6.5% and an estimated hydrogen output rate of 14.43 mmole/h.g. Consequently, the current research paved the way for low-cost photoelectrochemical catalytic material for efficient solar hydrogen production by water splitting.

Promising porous spherical PbI2/poly-2-aminobenzenethiol nanocomposite as a photocathode for hydrogen generation from Red Sea water

“…This raises sustainability concerns regarding such approaches in the long term [21]. While freshwater was utilized, these studies augmented it with additional highly basic or acidic electrolytes like NaOH or H 2 SO 4 or NH 4 OH to facilitate H 2 gas generation [22]. However, this process inadvertently shortened the lifespan of the photocathode, impacting the overall behavior of H 2 gas generation.…”

“…However, this process inadvertently shortened the lifespan of the photocathode, impacting the overall behavior of H 2 gas generation. To tackle this issue, novel studies have explored unconventional sources such as sewage water and seawater as sacrificial agents [22]. However, these studies also grapple with challenges related to the costly techniques required for preparing photocathode materials.…”

NaOH-Activated Natural Glauconite for Low-Cost Adsorption of Congo Red Dye

“…Known and scientifically familiar adsorbing systems include bentonite, expanded vermiculite, montmorillonite, bio-clay composite, and natural illicit clay minerals [26,27]. Furthermore, it has been well established that clay surfaces can be altered to boost their adsorption potential [22,25,[27][28][29][30][31][32]. In comparison, the negative overall charge of silicate clay minerals is balanced with the positive charge of cationic dyes.…”