Fabrication of 0D/1D/2D ZnS–CuS nanodots/GNRs/g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst for efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting

Photocatalytic water splitting has become a significant challenge in modern chemistry. In this process, the rate-determining step is the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In the present work, a surface modification approach for graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was applied to improve its photocatal...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 47; no. 93; pp. 39376 - 39385
Main Authors:	Ashour Kermani, Roya, Fathirad, Fariba
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2022
Subjects:	Graphene nanoribbons Graphitic carbon nitride Hydrogen evolution reaction Photocatalytic water splitting Hydrogen evolution reaction Graphene nanoribbons Photocatalytic water splitting Graphitic carbon nitride
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Summary:	Photocatalytic water splitting has become a significant challenge in modern chemistry. In this process, the rate-determining step is the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In the present work, a surface modification approach for graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) was applied to improve its photocatalytic HER. 0D ZnS–CuS nanodots were synthesized with the hydrothermal method as a co-catalyst to enhance the capability and stability of water splitting in the presence of visible light irradiation. Also, graphene nanoribbons were synthesized from CNTs unzipping to reduce the energy barrier of HER, improve the HE kinetic, and enhance the catalytic performance of the g-C3N4. By using ZnS–CuS/GNRs(2)/g-C3N4 photocatalyst, a low onset potential of 130 mV, slight Tafel slope of 41 mV dec−1, as well as excellent stability of 2000 s was obtained in acidic media. This efficient performance is attributed to the increased visible light absorption level in the proposed photocatalyst and the high stability in electron-hole pairs. •GNRs were synthesized from CNTs unzipping as cocatalyst.•ZnS–CuS QDs were anchored on the edges of the GNRs with the hydrothermal method.•This hybrid was synthesized in different content of GNRs on g-C3N4 substrate.•ZnS–CuS/GNRs(2)/g-C3N4 was applied for the surface modification of the FTO electrode.•ZnS–CuS/GNRs(2)/g-C3N4 photocatalyst showed promising performance for HER.
ISSN:	0360-3199
DOI:	10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.09.119