A Convenient In Situ Preparation of CuZnSnS-Anatase Hybrid Nanocomposite for Photocatalysis/Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting Hydrogen Production

Overview

Journal Molecules

Publisher MDPI

Specialty Biology

Date 2024 Jun 19

PMID 38893390

Authors

Ke-Xian Li

Cai-Hong Li

Hao-Yan Shi

Rui Chen

Ao-Sheng She

Yang Yang

Xia Jiang

Yan-Xin Chen

Can-Zhong Lu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study details the rational design and synthesis of CuZnSnS (CZTS)-doped anatase (A) heterostructures, utilizing earth-abundant elements to enhance the efficiency of solar-driven water splitting. A one-step hydrothermal method was employed to fabricate a series of CZTS-A heterojunctions. As the concentration of titanium dioxide (TiO) varied, the morphology of CZTS shifted from floral patterns to sheet-like structures. The resulting CZTS-A heterostructures underwent comprehensive characterization through photoelectrochemical response assessments, optical measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses. Detailed photoelectrochemical (PEC) investigations demonstrated notable enhancements in photocurrent density and incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE). Compared to pure anatase electrodes, the optimized CZTS-A heterostructures exhibited a seven-fold increase in photocurrent density and reached a hydrogen production efficiency of 1.1%. Additionally, the maximum H production rate from these heterostructures was 11-times greater than that of pure anatase and 250-times higher than the original CZTS after 2 h of irradiation. These results underscore the enhanced PEC performance of CZTS-A heterostructures, highlighting their potential as highly efficient materials for solar water splitting. Integrating CuZnSnS nanoparticles (NPs) within TiO (anatase) heterostructures implied new avenues for developing earth-abundant and cost-effective photocatalytic systems for renewable energy applications.

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