Photocatalytic Hydrogen Generation from pH-Neutral Water by a Flexible Tri-Component Composite
Publication Name
Catalysis Letters
Abstract
Abstract: In this work we examine the benefits of using carefully designed tri-component composites to fabricate flexible photocathode electrodes for photo-electrocatalytic hydrogen (H2) generation from neutral pH water. We report H2 production by a tri-component composite thin-film containing CuO nanowires (CuO NW), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and polypyrrole (PPy). At − 1.1 V vs Ag/AgCl in 0.5 M Na2SO4 (pH 6.8) with a hole-scavenger, under weak light illumination, he photocurrent performance was fivefold greater than the bi-component CuO–rGO control having the same absolute quantities of CuO and rGO. It was 30-fold greater than the CuO–PPy control. The tri-component CuO–rGO–PPy thin film therefore displayed an active H2-generating capacity compare with its bi-component analogues. It, effectively, exploited the advantages of each component, including the suppression of charge recombination afforded by the rGO, and the photocorrosion protection, immobilization and flexibility afforded by the PPy, whilst avoiding their disadvantages. Graphic Abstract: Entry for the Table of contents[Figure not available: see fulltext.].
Open Access Status
This publication is not available as open access
Volume
151
Issue
6
First Page
1700
Last Page
1706
Funding Number
CE140100012
Funding Sponsor
Australian National Fabrication Facility