Nano multi-layered HfO/α-FeO nanocomposite photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting.

This study marks a significant stride in enhancing photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting applications through the development of a type II nano-heterojunction comprising HfO and α - FeO. Fabricated via Physical Vapor Deposition/Radio Frequency (PVD/RF) sputtering, this nano-heterojunction effectively addresses the efficiency limitations inherent in traditional α - FeOphotoanodes. The integration of HfO leads to a substantial increase in photocurrent density, soaring from 62 μA/cm for pure α - FeO to 1.

Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance Using Cobalt-Catalyst-Loaded PVD/RF-Engineered WO Photoelectrodes.

Critical to boosting photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance is improving visible light absorption, accelerating carrier separation, and reducing electron-hole pair recombination. In this investigation, the PVD/RF method was employed to fabricate WO thin films that were subsequently treated using the surface treatment process, and the film surface was modified by introducing varying concentrations of cobalt nanoparticles, a non-noble metal, as an effective Co catalyst. The results show that the impact of loaded cobalt nanoparticles on the film surface can explain the extended absorption spectrum of visible light, efficiently capturing photogenerated electrons.

Heterostructured WO-TiVO thin-film photocatalyst for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting.

Photoelectrochemical water splitting via solar irradiation has garnered significant interest due to its potential in large-scale renewable hydrogen production. Heterostructure materials have emerged as an effective strategy, demonstrating enhanced performance in photoelectrochemical water-splitting applications compared to individual photocatalysts. In this study, to augment the performance of sprayed TiVO thin films, a hydrothermally prepared WO underlayer was integrated beneath the spray pyrolised TiVO film.

Fabrication and Characterization of Tantalum-Iron Composites for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution represents a transformative avenue in addressing the challenges of fossil fuels, heralding a renewable and pristine alternative to conventional fossil fuel-driven energy paradigms. Yet, a formidable challenge is crafting a high-efficacy, stable photocatalyst that optimizes solar energy transduction and charge partitioning even under adversarial conditions. Within the scope of this investigation, tantalum-iron heterojunction composites characterized by intricate, discoidal nanostructured materials were meticulously synthesized using a solvothermal-augmented calcination protocol.

Fabrication of TiVO photoelectrode for photoelectrochemical application.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is one of the promising, environmentally friendly, carbon emission-free strategies for the cost-effective production of hydrogen. The interest in developing effective approaches for solar-to-hydrogen production with stable and visible light active semiconductors directed many researchers to develop stable and efficient materials. For the first time, a nanostructured TiVO photoanode was fabricated at a substrate temperature of 250 °C and further annealed at 600 °C using the spray pyrolysis technique and it obtained an optical band gap of ∼2.