Synergistic Effect of Redox Dual PdO_x/MnO_x Cocatalysts on the Enhanced H₂ Production Potential of a SnS/α-Fe₂O₃ Heterojunction via Ethanol Photoreforming

Abstract

In the quest for optimal H 2 evolution (HE) through ethanol photoreforming, a dual cocatalyst-modified heterocatalyst strategy is utilized. Tin(II) sulfide (SnS) was hybridized with α-Fe 2 O 3 to form the heterocatalyst FeOSnS with a p−n heterojunction structure as confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV−vis diffusive reflectance spectroscopy (UV− vis DRS), and Brunauer−Emmett−Teller (BET) techniques. PdO x and PdO x /MnO x cocatalysts were loaded onto the FeOSnS heterocatalyst through the impregnation method, as verified by high-resolution transform electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and elemental mapping. Photocatalytic ethanol photoreforming resulted in the production of H 2 as the main product with a selectivity of 99% and some trace amounts of CH 4 . The FeOSnS2-PdO x 2%/MnO x 1% photocatalyst achieved the highest HE rate of 1654 μmol/g, attributed to the synergistic redox contribution of the PdO x and MnO x species.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Flower-like MnMoO4 Nanostructures and Their Photocatalytic Performance

“…With its capacity to break down different pollutants and convert light energy into chemical energy, photocatalysis has captured the attention of researchers studying possible applications of today's technological advancements. This opens up promising avenues for the removal of potentially dangerous contaminants from the environment [14,15]. Photocatalysis is the succession of the oxidation and reduction processes caused by electrons and holes stimulated by photons.…”