WSe2-PANI nanohybrid structure as efficient electrocatalyst for photo-enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 876; p. 160179
• Main Authors: Kannichankandy, Drishya, Pataniya, Pratik M., Sumesh, C.K., Solanki, Gunvant K., Pathak, Vivek M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 25-09-2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aluminum; Catalysis; Chemical composition; Conductive polyaniline; Electrocatalysts; Hydrogen; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Hydrogen evolution reactions; Light; Optimization; Organic-inorganic nanohybrid; Photoelectric effect; Photoelectric emission; Photosensitivity; Renewable energy sources; WSe2 nanostructures; WSe2 nanostructures; Hydrogen evolution reaction; Organic-inorganic nanohybrid; Conductive polyaniline
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2021.160179

•We fabricated WSe2-PANI nanohybrids for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction.•WP catalysts exhibited fast HER with over potential as low as of −190 mV at −10 mA/cm2.•This work is based on organic-inorganic nanohybrid for effective electro-/photo-catalysis.
In this work, we use the photosensitive WSe2-PANI nanohybrids for enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction. The optimization of chemical composition in catalysts results in rapid catalysis, which is further promoted by the illumination of visible light. The hydrogen evolution is achieved at an over potential as low as −220 mV vs RHE in dark and −190 mV vs RHE in the illuminated condition. WSe2-PANI nanohybrids exhibit stable time-resolved photoresponse with photocurrent of 14.5 mA/cm2 at −350 mV vs RHE under visible light, which corresponds to a photoresponsivity of 0.48 A/W. The light-enhanced hydrogen evolution reaction based on WSe2-PANI nanohybrid electrodes, showcase the substantial progress in the production of energy by using renewable energy sources.