engleski

The development of TiO2-SnS2/GO-RGO nanocomposite photocatalytic material active under Solar light irradiation

The increase of renewable energy is considered as one of the main goals to achieve a sustainable living environment [1]. Measures to limit greenhouse gases must consider hydrogen production from sustainable energy sources, among which solar‐driven photocatalytic processes are found to be quite an interesting alternative among the scientific community [2]. Most of the photocatalytic studies involve the use of TiO2 as a benchmark material, but the wider application of this technology is limited by disadvantages such as the rapid recombination of photogenerated charges and the broad bandgap energy that allows activation only by UV light [3]. This paper describes the methods of development and characterization of novel TiO2-based nanocomposites to investigate the potential of its application in the processes of photocatalytic water splitting by solar irradiation. Such material, designed to effectively harvest simulated solar irradiation for hydrogen production was hydrothermally synthesized by coupling semiconducting composites made of TiO2, SnS2 as a visible-light response chalcogenide, and carbon-based material as electron mediator (GO/RGO). The FTIR and TGA characterization indicates the presence of expected functional groups within the material, as well as high purity of the products. Electrochemical characterization tests have shown high photosensitivity of the nanocomposite material when irradiated with visible light wavelengths, and also the positive effect of GO/RGO incorporation within the composite on inhibiting charge recombination rate and increasing photosensitivity. The effect of different electron donors addition in the form of alcohol was also examined. The results have shown that methanol addition up to 20 vol.% decreases charge recombination rate by the consummation of photogenerated holes. All implemented characterization techniques show high potential for the application of such material in the photocatalytic production of “green hydrogen” by the use of renewable Solar energy.

H2 production, TiO2-SnS2/GO-RGO, Solar irradiation, photocatalysis, nanocomposites

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