Direct Z-scheme SiNWs@Co3O4 photocathode with a cocatalyst of sludge-derived carbon quantum dots for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen production
Authors
Feifei Lin
Ying-Ying Gu
Hongjiang Li
Shuaijun Wang
Xiuxia Zhang
Pei Dong
Shi Li
Yongqiang Wang
Rongbing Fu
Jinqiang Zhang, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Chaocheng Zhao
Hongqi Sun, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Title
Science of the Total Environment
Volume
796
Publisher
Elsevier
School
School of Engineering
RAS ID
38871
Funders
Funding information : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148931
Abstract
Solar driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production has attracted considerable attention, but the design of highly efficient, robust and low-cost photocathode still remains a significant challenge. Herein, we report a novel SiNWs@Co3O4 Z-scheme heterojunction photocathode with carbon quantum dots eco-friendly derived from sludge (SCQDs) as the co-catalyst. The photocathode not only leads to effective separation of electron–hole pair, lower transmission resistance, and longer lifetime of charge carriers, but also elevates the stability by preventing direct contact between the SiNWs and the electrolyte as well as the self-oxidation. Simultaneously, the excellent electron transport properties of the SCQDs further improved the PEC performance. Correspondingly, a maximum current density of 14.88 mA·cm−2 was obtained at −0.67 V with the applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) achieving 8.4% under visible light irradiations at pH = 7. This work provides a promising scheme for Si-based photocathodes for PEC hydrogen production with a high performance, reliable stability, and low-cost.
DOI
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148931
Access Rights
subscription content
Comments
Lin, F., Gu, Y. Y., Li, H., Wang, S., Zhang, X., Dong, P., ... Sun, H. (2021). Direct z-scheme SiNWs@ Co3O4 photocathode with a cocatalyst of sludge-derived carbon quantum dots for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. Science of The Total Environment, 796, article 148931. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148931