Work

Synergistic effect of bimetallic RuCo loaded N-defective g-C3N4 nanosheets with cleavage of metal-hydrogen bonds for H2 production in a continuous flow photoreactor

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Photocatalytic hydrogen production using an efficient semiconductor is highly demanding to achieve sustainable development goals. Instead of using complex semiconductor materials, the photocatalysis process efficiency can be enhanced using a bimetallic system with a low-cost semiconductor. In this work, well-designed exfoliated N-defective g-C 3 N 4 (N–C 3 N 4 ) with the synergistic effects of Ru/Co bimetallic system to improve solar-driven H 2 evolution in a continuous photoreactor, has been investigated. Using an exfoliated N–C 3 N 4 , an H 2 yield of 1.26 folds more was produced than a bulk g-C 3 N 4 . Bimetallic Ru–Co/N–C 3 N 4 composite exhibited 4450 μmol g −1 h −1 of H 2 evolution rate, which is 2.82, 6.09 and 33.58 folds more than using Ru/N–C 3 N 4 , Co/N–C 3 N 4 and N–C 3 N 4 samples, respectively. The synergistic impact of Ru/Co, which enables the efficient separation and transfer of charge carriers under visible light in a continuous flow photoreactor system, is responsible for this noticeably enhanced H 2 production. The presence of Ru was able to provide metal-hydrogen bonds, whereas, Co was beneficial to maximize the stability of the composite. This novel strategy has promise for several solar energy applications and offers a viable option to build highly effective composites for renewable energy applications. • Ru-cocatalyst with Co/N–C 3 N 4 nanotextures synthesized and tested for water splitting. • Ru/Co cocatalyst with N–C 3 N 4 stimulated H 2 production during photocatalysis process. • Synergistic effect of Ru and Co with N–C 3 N 4 , 36-fold higher green hydrogen was produced. • The role of Ru was promising to break hydrogen bonds, and Co gave higher H 2 production. • Stability results confirm continuous H 2 production over ternary-composite in cyclic runs.

Source: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.11.263

Authors: Beenish Tahir, Muhammad Tahir, Abdulrahman Alraeesi, Naveen Kumar, Mohamed Al-Marzouqi

Institutions: United Arab Emirates University, Maharshi Dayanand University

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,400