CuInS2 Nanosheet Arrays with a MoS2 Heterojunction as a Photocathode for PEC Water Splitting

Malladi, Sairam K and Gupta, Shourya Dutta and Subrahmanyam, Challapalli (2023) CuInS2 Nanosheet Arrays with a MoS2 Heterojunction as a Photocathode for PEC Water Splitting. Energy & Fuels, 37 (3). pp. 2340-2349. ISSN 0887-0624

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Abstract

Developing cost-effective noble metal-free co-catalysts as alternatives to platinum group metals is an impeccable strategy to enhance photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this report, we successfully fabricated CuInS2 nanosheet array-based photocathode modified with CdS and co-catalyst MoS2 in a green approach to improve water splitting under solar irradiation. The visible light absorption of the modified hybrid photocathode (CIS/CdS/MoS2) was significantly enhanced due to introducing CdS and MoS2. Photoluminescence, impedance spectroscopy, and Mott-Schottky analysis depicted improved separation of excited electron-hole pairs, minimized resistance of charge transfer, and increased excited-state charge carrier concentration, resulting in increased photocurrent. Typical results indicated that composite photoelectrodes delivered higher photocurrent (−1.75 mA/cm2 at 0 V vs RHE) and HC-STH conversion efficiency (0.42% at 0.49 V vs RHE) than those of CIS and CIS/CdS photoelectrodes. This improved PEC performance is accredited to the synergetic impact of CdS in charge generation and transfer and MoS2 as a cocatalyst with active surface sites for proton reduction. This study not only reveals the promising nature of CuInS2-based light absorber photocathodes for solar energy utilization but also recommends the use of MoS2 as a cocatalyst for the proton reduction reactions for widespread applications in solar to hydrogen conversion.

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IITH Creators:

IITH Creators	ORCiD
Malladi, Sairam K	http://www.orcid.org/0000-0002-0322-8137
Gupta, Shourya Dutta	http://www.orcid.org/0000-0001-5680-3847
Subrahmanyam, Challapalli	http://www.orcid.org/0000-0002-2643-3854

Item Type:

Article

Uncontrolled Keywords:

Charge transfer; Copper compounds; Cost effectiveness; Hole concentration; Hydrogen production; II-VI semiconductors; Indium compounds; Layered semiconductors; Light absorption; Molybdenum compounds; Photocatalysts; Photocathodes; Photoelectrochemical cells; Precious metals; Solar energy; Solar power generation; Co catalysts; Cost effective; Metal free; Nanosheet arrays; Photoelectrochemical water splitting; Photoelectrode; Platinum group metals; Proton reduction; Solar irradiation; Water splitting; Cadmium sulfide

Subjects:

Materials Engineering > Materials engineering
Materials Engineering > Nanostructured materials, porous materials

Divisions:

Department of Chemistry
Department of Material Science Engineering

Depositing User:

Mr Nigam Prasad Bisoyi

Date Deposited:

22 Aug 2023 05:43

Last Modified:

22 Aug 2023 05:43

URI:

http://raiithold.iith.ac.in/id/eprint/11603