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CuInS2 Nanosheet Arrays with a MoS2 Heterojunction as a Photocathode for PEC Water Splitting
M. Kumar, B. Meena, P. Subramanyam, G. Ummethala, , ,
Published in American Chemical Society
2023
Volume: 37
   
Issue: 3
Pages: 2340 - 2349
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. © 2023 American Chemical Society.
About the journal
JournalEnergy and Fuels
PublisherAmerican Chemical Society
ISSN08870624
Authors (3)