Photocatalytic water splitting of ternary graphene-like photocatalyst for the photocatalytic hydrogen production

doi:10.1007/s11783-020-1248-7

Front. Environ. Sci. Eng.

2020, Vol. 14

Issue (4) : 69 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-020-1248-7

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Photocatalytic water splitting of ternary graphene-like photocatalyst for the photocatalytic hydrogen production

Yan Zhang¹(

), Yuyan Zhang¹, Xue Li¹, Xiaohan Zhao¹, Cosmos Anning¹, John Crittenden², Xianjun Lyu¹

¹. School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266000, China
². School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0595, USA

Download: PDF(2371 KB) HTML
Export: BibTeX | EndNote | Reference Manager | ProCite | RefWorks

Abstract

•The MoS₂/SiC/GO composite has a strong photocatalytic activity than SiC.

•The optimal catalyst yielded the highest quantum of 21.69%.

•GO acts as a bridge for electron passage in photocatalytic reaction.

In recent times, therehas been an increasing demand for energy which has resulted in an increased consumption of fossil fuels thereby posing a number of challenges to the environment. In the course finding possible solutions to this environmental canker, solar photocatalytic water splitting to produce hydrogengas has been identified as one of the most promising methods for generating renewable energy. To retard the recombination of photogenerated carriers and improve the efficiencyof photocatalysis, the present paper reports a facile method called the hydrothermal method, which was used to prepare ternary graphene-like photocatalyst. A “Design Expert” was used to investigate the influence of the loading weight of Mo and GO as well as the temperature of hydrothermal reaction and their interactions on the evolution of hydrogen (H₂) in 4 h. The experimental results showed that the ternary graphene-like photocatalyst has a strong photocatalytic hydrogen production activity compared to that of pure SiC. In particular, the catalyst added 2.5 wt% of GO weight yielded the highest quantum of 21.69 % at 400–700 nm of wavelength. The optimal evolution H₂ in 4 h conditions wasobtained as follows: The loading weight of Mo was 8.19 wt%, the loading weight of GO was 2.02 wt%, the temperature of the hydrothermal reaction was 200.93°C. Under the optimum conditions, the evolution of H₂ in 4 h could reach 4.2030 mL.

Keywords Water splitting Visible light Graphene-like photocatalyst Response surface methodology

Corresponding Author(s): Yan Zhang

Issue Date: 28 April 2020

Cite this article:

Yan Zhang,Yuyan Zhang,Xue Li, et al. Photocatalytic water splitting of ternary graphene-like photocatalyst for the photocatalytic hydrogen production[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2020, 14(4): 69.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/10.1007/s11783-020-1248-7
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/Y2020/V14/I4/69

Tab.1 Symbols and coded

Tab.2 Design and experimental results

Fig.1 SEM image of (a) pure SiC, (b) SMG-2.5 and element mapping images SMG-2.5 (c–f), (g) SMG-2.5 catalyst after circular reaction (SMG-C2.5).

Fig.2 (a) XRD patterns, (b) nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms and the pore-size distribution curves (inset).

Fig.3 (a) UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra and (b) Corresponding Tauc plots.

Fig.4 XPS spectra of (a) C 1s of pure SiC, (b) C 1s of SMG-2.5, (c) Si 2p of pure SiC, (d) Si 2p of SMG-2.5, (e) Mo 3d and (f) S 2p in SMG-2.5 sample, (g) VB-XPS of SiC, (h) VB-XPS of MoS₂.

Fig.5 (a) Volume of H₂ in 4 h over the composites. (b) Rate of generating H₂ in 4 h over composites. (c)–(g) Recycling H₂ evolution tests over MoS₂/SiC/GO composites.

Tab.3 Regression model and variance analysis

Fig.6 3D response surface and contour plots of the H₂ evolution in 4 h: (a) loading weight of Mo and loading weight of GO, (b) loading weight of Mo and temperature of the hydrothermal reaction, (c) loading of GO and temperature of the hydrothermal reaction, (d) the photocatalytic hydrogen production mechanism in the MoS₂/SiC/ GO photocatalyst.

1	E Bazrafshan, T J Al-Musawi, M F Silva, A H Panahi, M Havangi, F K Mostafapur (2019). Photocatalytic degradation of catechol using ZnO nanoparticles as catalyst: Optimizing the experimental parameters using the Box-Behnken statistical methodology and kinetic studies. Microchemical Journal, 147: 643–653 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2019.03.078
2	E Benavente, F Durán, C Sotomayor-Torres, G González (2018). Heterostructured layered hybrid ZnO/MoS2 nanosheets with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity. Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids, 113: 119–124 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpcs.2017.10.027
3	H Chen, C Tan, K Zhang, W Zhao, X Tian, Y Huang (2019). Enhanced photocatalytic performance of ZnO monolayer for water splitting via biaxial strain and external electric field. Applied Surface Science, 481: 1064–1071 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2019.03.105
4	S Delavari, N A S Amin (2014). Photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide and methane over titania nanoparticles coated mesh: Optimization study. Energy Procedia, 61: 2485–2488 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2014.12.028
5	A Fujishima, K Honda (1972). Electrochemical photolysis of water at a semiconductor electrode. Nature, 238(5358): 37–38 https://doi.org/10.1038/238037a0
6	M Hao, X Deng, L Xu, Z Li (2019). Noble metal free MoS2/ZnIn2S4 nanocomposite for acceptorless photocatalytic semi-dehydrogenation of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline to produce 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 252: 18–23 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2019.04.002
7	E Heydari-Bafrooei, N S Shamszadeh (2016). Synergetic effect of CoNPs and graphene as cocatalysts for enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of MoS2. RSC Advances, 6(98): 95979–95986 https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA21610B
8	Q Jiang, L Sun, J Bi, S Liang, L Li, Y Yu, L Wu (2018). MoS2 quantum dots modified covalent triazine-based frameworks for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. ChemSusChem, 11(6): 1108–1113 https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.201702220
9	Y Jiang, Q Wang, L Han, X Zhang, L Jiang, Z Wu, Y Lai, D Wang, F Liu (2019). Construction of In2Se3/MoS2 heterojunction as photoanode toward efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting. Chemical Engineering Journal, 358: 752–758 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.10.088
10	P W Koh, L Yuliati, S L Lee (2017). Kinetics and optimization studies of photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue over Cr-doped TiO2 using response surface methodology. Iranian Journal of Science & Technology Transactions A Science: 1–9
11	Z Li, J Hou, B Zhang, S Cao, Y Wu, Z Gao, X Nie, L Sun (2019). Two-dimensional Janus heterostructures for superior Z-scheme photocatalytic water splitting. Nano Energy, 59: 537–544 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2019.03.004
12	J Liu, J Ke, Y Li, B Liu, L Wang, H Xiao, S Wang (2018b). Co3O4 quantum dots/TiO2 nanobelt hybrids for highly efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 236: 396–403 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2018.05.042
13	X Liu, C Chen, X Chen, G Qian, J Wang, C Wang, Z Cao, Q Liu (2018c). WO3 QDs enhanced photocatalytic and electrochemical perfomance of GO/TiO2 composite. Catalysis Today, 315: 155–161 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2018.02.037
14	Y Liu, S Yang, S Zhang, H Wang, H Yu, Y Cao, F Peng (2018a). Design of cocatalyst loading position for photocatalytic water splitting into hydrogen in electrolyte solutions. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 43(11): 5551–5560 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.01.115
15	H Lv, Y Liu, H Tang, P Zhang, J Wang (2017). Synergetic effect of MoS2 and graphene as cocatalysts for enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiPO4 nanoparticles. Applied Surface Science, 425: 100–106 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.06.303
16	K Matsubara, M Inoue, H Hagiwara, T Abe (2019). Photocatalytic water splitting over Pt-loaded TiO2 (Pt/TiO2) catalysts prepared by the polygonal barrel-sputtering method. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 254: 7–14 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2019.04.075
17	H Muthukumar, A Gire, M Kumari, M Manickam (2017). Biogenic synthesis of nano-biomaterial for toxic naphthalene photocatalytic degradation optimization and kinetics studies. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation, 119: 587–594 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.10.036
18	M Nowak, B Kauch, P Szperlich (2009). Determination of energy band gap of nanocrystalline SbSI using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Review of Scientific Instruments, 80(4): 046107-046111 https://doi.org/10.1063/1.3103603
19	F Opoku, K K Govender, C G C E van Sittert, P P Govender (2017). Understanding the mechanism of enhanced charge separation and visible light photocatalytic activity of modified wurtzite ZnO with nanoclusters of ZnS and graphene oxide: From a hybrid density functional study. New Journal of Chemistry, 41(16): 8140–8155 https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NJ01942D
20	K Peng, H Wang, X Li, J Wang, L Xu, H Gao, M Niu, M Ma, J Yang (2019). One-step hydrothermal growth of MoS2 nanosheets/CdS nanoparticles heterostructures on montmorillonite for enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity. Applied Clay Science, 175: 86–93 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clay.2019.04.007
21	S Sharma, M. R Pai, G Kaur, R. V Divya, Satsangi, S Dass, R Shrivastav (2019). Efficient hydrogen generation on CuO core/Ag/TiO2 shell nano-hetero-structures by photocatalytic splitting of water. Renewable Energy, 136: 1202–1216 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.09.091
22	W Shi, F Guo, M Li, Y Shi, M Shi, C Yan (2019). Constructing 3D sub-micrometer CoO octahedrons packed with layered MoS2 shell for boosting photocatalytic overall water splitting activity. Applied Surface Science, 473: 928–933 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2018.12.247
23	J Tian, Q Shao, J Zhao, D Pan, M Dong, C Jia, T Ding, T Wu, Z Guo (2019). Microwave solvothermal carboxymethyl chitosan templated synthesis of TiO2/ZrO2 composites toward enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 541: 18–29 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2019.01.069
24	B Wang, J Zhang, F Huang (2017a). Enhanced visible light photocatalytic H2 evolution of metal-free g-C3N4/SiC heterostructured photocatalysts. Applied Surface Science, 391: 449–456 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2016.07.056
25	D Wang, Z Guo, Y Peng, W Yuan (2015). A simple route to significant enhancement of photocatalytic water oxidation on BiVO4 by heterojunction with SiC. Chemical Engineering Journal, 281: 102–108 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2015.06.103
26	D Wang, W Wang, Q Wang, Z Guo, W Yuan (2017b). Spatial separation of Pt and IrO2 cocatalysts on SiC surface for enhanced photocatalysis. Materials Letters, 201: 114–117 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2017.04.140
27	Y Wang, F Zhang, M Yang, Z Wang, Y Ren, J Cui, Y Zhao, J Du, K Li, W Wang, D J Kang (2019). Synthesis of porous MoS2/CdSe/TiO2 photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting. Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 284: 403–409 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micromeso.2019.04.055
28	H Yan, J Yang, G Ma, G Wu, X Zong, Z Lei, J Shi, C Li (2009). Visible-light-driven hydrogen production with extremely high quantum efficiency on Pt–PdS/CdS photocatalyst. Journal of Catalysis, 266(2): 165–168 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcat.2009.06.024
29	X Yan, K Ye, T Zhang, C Xue, D Zhang, C Ma, J Wei, G Yang (2017). Formation of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous TiO2@nanosheet SnS2 heterojunctions for exceptional visible-light driven photocatalytic activity. New Journal of Chemistry, 41(16): 8482–8489 https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NJ01421J
30	X Yin, L Li, W Jiang, Y Zhang, X Zhang, L Wan, J Hu (2016). MoS2/CdS nanosheets-on-nanorod heterostructure for highly efficient photocatalytic H2 generation under visible light irradiation. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 8(24): 15258–15266 https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.6b02687
31	X Yu, S Kou, J Zhang, X Tang, Q Yang, B Yao (2018). Preparation and characterization of Cu2O nano-particles and their photocatalytic degradation of fluroxypyr. Environmental Technology, 39(22): 2967–2976 https://doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2017.1370023
32	J Yuan, J Wen, Y Zhong, X Li, Y Fang, S Zhang, W Liu (2015). Enhanced photocatalytic H2 evolution over noble-metal-free NiS cocatalyst modified CdS nanorods/g-C3N4 heterojunctions. Journal of Materials Chemistry. A, Materials for Energy and Sustainability, 3(35): 18244–18255 https://doi.org/10.1039/C5TA04573H
33	R Yuan, B Zhou, D Hua, C Shi, M Li (2014). Effect of metal-ion doping on the characteristics and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanotubes for the removal of toluene from water. Water Science & Technology A Journal of the International Association on Water Pollution Research, 69(8): 1697–1704
34	G Zhang, W Zhang, P Wang, D Minakata, Y Chen, J Crittenden (2013). Stability of an H2-producing photocatalyst (Ru/(CuAg)0.15In0.3Zn1.4S2) in aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 38(3): 1286–1296 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.11.033
35	X Zhang, J Zhao, L Guo (2014). Band gap-tunable (CuAg)xIn2xZn2(1–2x)S2 solid solutions synthesized by hydrothermal method with ultrasonic assistance and their photocatalytic H2 production performance. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 582: 617–622 doi:10.1016/j.jallcom.2013.08.071
36	Y Zhang, H Li, Y Zhang, F Song, X Cao, X Lyu, Y Zhang, J Crittenden (2018). Statistical optimization and batch studies on adsorption of phosphate using Al-eggshell. Adsorption Science and Technology, 36(3–4): 999–1017 https://doi.org/10.1177/0263617417740790
37	Y Zhang, Y Zhang, X Li, J Dai, F Song, X Cao, X Lyu, J C Crittenden (2019). Enhanced photocatalytic activity of SiC-based ternary graphene materials: A DFT study and the photocatalytic mechanism. ACS Omega, 4(23): 20142–20151 https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.9b01832
38	H Zhao, X Mu, G Yang, M George, P Cao, B Fanady, S Rong, X Gao, T Wu (2017). Graphene-like MoS2 containing adsorbents for Hg0 capture at coal-fired power plants. Applied Energy, 207: 254–264 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.05.172
39	J Zhao, S Ge, D Pan, Q Shao, J Lin, Z Wang, Z Hu, T Wu, Z Guo (2018). Solvothermal synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic property of zirconium dioxide doped titanium dioxide spinous hollow microspheres with sunflower pollen as bio-templates. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 529: 111–121 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2018.05.091
40	W Zhao, Y Feng, H Huang, P Zhou, J Li, L Zhang, B Dai, J Xu, F Zhu, N Sheng, D Y C Leung (2019). A novel Z-scheme Ag3VO4/BiVO4 heterojunction photocatalyst: Study on the excellent photocatalytic performance and photocatalytic mechanism. Applied Catalysis B: Environmental, 245: 448–458 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2019.01.001
41	F Zhou, C Yan, T Liang, Q Sun, H Wang (2018). Photocatalytic degradation of orange G using sepiolite-TiO2 nanocomposites: Optimization of physicochemical parameters and kinetics studies. Chemical Engineering Science, 183: 231–239 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2018.03.016

[1]

FSE-20022-OF-ZY_suppl_1

Download

[1]	Haoran Feng, Min Liu, Wei Zeng, Ying Chen. Optimization of the O₃/H₂O₂ process with response surface methodology for pretreatment of mother liquor of gas field wastewater[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2021, 15(4): 78-.
[2]	Ziming Zhao, Wenjun Sun, Madhumita B. Ray, Ajay K Ray, Tianyin Huang, Jiabin Chen. Optimization and modeling of coagulation-flocculation to remove algae and organic matter from surface water by response surface methodology[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2019, 13(5): 75-.
[3]	Xiaomeng Wang, Ning Li, Jianye Li, Junjun Feng, Zhun Ma, Yuting Xu, Yongchao Sun, Dongmei Xu, Jian Wang, Xueli Gao, Jun Gao. Fluoride removal from secondary effluent of the graphite industry using electrodialysis: Optimization with response surface methodology[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2019, 13(4): 51-.
[4]	Kishore Gopalakrishnan, Javad Roostaei, Yongli Zhang. *Mixed culture of Chlorella* sp. and wastewater wild algae for enhanced biomass and lipid accumulation in artificial wastewater medium**[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2018, 12(4): 14-.
[5]	Bai-Hang Zhao, Jie Chen, Han-Qing Yu, Zhen-Hu Hu, Zheng-Bo Yue, Jun Li. Optimization of microwave pretreatment of lignocellulosic waste for enhancing methane production: Hyacinth as an example[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2017, 11(6): 17-.
[6]	Yan GUO, Chuanfu WU, Qunhui WANG, Min YANG, Qiqi HUANG, Markus MAGEP, Tianlong ZHENG. Wastewater-nitrogen removal using polylactic acid/starch as carbon source: Optimization of operating parameters using response surface methodology[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2016, 10(4): 6-.
[7]	Lei YU,Chen TU,Yongming LUO. Fabrication, characterization and evaluation of mesoporous activated carbons from agricultural waste: Jerusalem artichoke stalk as an example[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2015, 9(2): 206-215.
[8]	Liangzhi LI,Xiaolin LI,Ci YAN,Weiqiang GUO,Tianyi YANG,Jiaolong FU,Jiaoyan TANG,Cuiying HU. Optimization of methyl orange removal from aqueous solution by response surface methodology using spent tea leaves as adsorbent[J]. Front.Environ.Sci.Eng., 2014, 8(4): 496-502.
[9]	Guangyin ZHEN, Xueqin LU, Baoying WANG, Youcai ZHAO, Xiaoli CHAI, Dongjie NIU, Tiantao ZHAO. Enhanced dewatering characteristics of waste activated sludge with Fenton pretreatment: effectiveness and statistical optimization[J]. Front Envir Sci Eng, 2014, 8(2): 267-276.
[10]	Chengyuan SU, Weiguang LI, Yong WANG. Adsorption property of direct fast black onto acid-thermal modified sepiolite and optimization of adsorption conditions using Box-Behnken response surface methodology[J]. Front Envir Sci Eng, 2013, 7(4): 503-511.

Viewed

Full text

Abstract

Cited

Shared

Discussed