Enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting using nanostructured films: p-CuO sensitized with polyhedral n-Cu₂O particles and CuS as photocathode

Author(s)

Santos, Hugo Leandro Sousa ; Mascaro, Lucia Helena

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS ADVANCES; v. 5, n. 16, p. 9-pg., 2024-07-18.

Abstract

The harnessing of solar energy to produce high-density energy carriers, such as hydrogen, through cost-effective technologies like photoelectrochemical cells (PECs), has emerged as a significant and promising effort. In this study, we employed p-CuO nanostructures, functionalized with polyhedral n-CuO and CuS particles, as a photocathode for water splitting. The fabrication process involved depositing copper onto FTO substrates via electrodeposition, followed by anodization to generate Cu(OH)(2) nanoneedles, which were subsequently transformed into CuO nanowires through annealing. Copper(i) oxide particles and CuS were deposited onto the CuO nanowires by electrodeposition and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), respectively. The best CuO/Cu2O/CuS film demonstrated a remarkable photocurrent of -2.74 mA cm(-2) at 0 V-RHE. In summary, the formation of a type II p-n heterojunction between CuO and Cu2O facilitated improved charge separation, while the presence of CuS catalyzed the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), highlighting the promising potential of this system for solar-driven hydrogen production. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/26860-2 - Synthesis and modification of CuO/Ga2O4 and Cu2O/Ga2O4 nanostructured films applied in H2 production from water photoelectrochemical reduction of water
• Grantee: Hugo Leandro Sousa dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 17/11986-5 - Generation and storage of New Energy: bringing technological development for the country
• Grantee: Ana Flávia Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research Centers in Engineering Program
• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC