Photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation at hybrid rGO-Sn3O4/SnO2 nanocomposite

Author(s)

Romeiro, Fernanda da Costa ; Martins, Alysson Stefan ; Costa e Silva, Beatriz ; Boldrin Zanoni, Maria Valnice ; Orlandi, Marcelo Ornaghi

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Journal of Applied Electrochemistry; v. 52, n. 10, p. 12-pg., 2022-07-28.

Abstract

This study investigates the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting at Sn3O4 and ternary rGO-Sn3O4/SnO2 heterostructure nanocomposite materials. The nanocomposite exhibited superior performance compared to Sn3O4, a result which was related to stronger absorption in the visible region, narrower band gap energy (1.8 eV), and higher photocurrent under both UV/Vis and visible light irradiation. The nanocomposite was also more efficient at photoexcited charge separation, as reflected in the enhanced H-2 evolution. H-2 production at the rGO-Sn3O4/SnO2 electrode reached a value that was twice as high as that of Sn3O4 under optimized photoelectrochemical conditions and UV/Vis irradiation. UV-Vis light induced a faster charge carrier on the nanocomposite's surface due to the direct excitation of SnO2 and to posterior electron transfer to the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) followed by electron recombination at Sn3O4, as well as to electron excitation to the conduction band of Sn3O4 and further H-2 evolution. This work provides an easy and low-cost method for obtaining Sn3O4-based materials for the production of clean energy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/13123-4 - Development of photoelectrocatalytic membranes based on TiO2 and Al2O3 modified and applied in the treatment of organic contaminants and microorganisms in aqueous solution
• Grantee: Alysson Stefan Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/18856-5 - Photo(electro)chemical applications for the production of renewable fuels using nanocomposites based on tin oxide (SnO and Sn3O4) and carbon compounds (reduced graphene oxide and graphitic carbon nitride)
• Grantee: Fernanda da Costa Romeiro
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/26219-0 - Study of Single Element Chemical Sensor Devices based on Semiconducting Metal Oxide Materials
• Grantee: Marcelo Ornaghi Orlandi
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 14/50945-4 - INCT 2014: National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies
• Grantee: Maria Valnice Boldrin
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants