Abstract
Photocatalytic hydrogen production using an efficient semiconductor is highly demanding to achieve sustainable development goals. Instead of using complex semiconductor materials, the photocatalysis process efficiency can be enhanced using a bimetallic system with a low-cost semiconductor. In this work, well-designed exfoliated N-defective g-C3N4 (N–C3N4) with the synergistic effects of Ru/Co bimetallic system to improve solar-driven H2 evolution in a continuous photoreactor, has been investigated. Using an exfoliated N–C3N4, an H2 yield of 1.26 folds more was produced than a bulk g-C3N4. Bimetallic Ru–Co/N–C3N4 composite exhibited 4450 μmol g−1 h−1 of H2 evolution rate, which is 2.82, 6.09 and 33.58 folds more than using Ru/N–C3N4, Co/N–C3N4 and N–C3N4 samples, respectively. The synergistic impact of Ru/Co, which enables the efficient separation and transfer of charge carriers under visible light in a continuous flow photoreactor system, is responsible for this noticeably enhanced H2 production. The presence of Ru was able to provide metal-hydrogen bonds, whereas, Co was beneficial to maximize the stability of the composite. This novel strategy has promise for several solar energy applications and offers a viable option to build highly effective composites for renewable energy applications.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 402-416 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | International Journal of Hydrogen Energy |
Volume | 95 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 18 2024 |
Keywords
- Bimetallic Ru/co loading
- Defect engineering
- Exfoliated N–CN
- Hydrogen production
- Photocatalytic water splitting
- Synergistic effect
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Fuel Technology
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology