Work

Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Using Bismuth/Bismuth Selenide Nanocomposites

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Solar‐driven photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising method for generating renewable and sustainable energy, as it effectively harnesses sunlight to convert it into chemical bonds. Among the many materials explored for photoelectrochemical water oxidation, metal selenides stand out because of their narrow band gaps. In this study, we successfully developed a high‐performance heterojunction nanostructure comprising a p‐type Bi/Bi2Se3 photocathode using a facile solvothermal method for efficient water splitting. Various characterization techniques confirmed the structural and optical properties of the fabricated Bi/Bi2Se3 nanocomposite. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns along with Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images, indicated a single‐phase rhombohedral Bi2Se3 crystal structure, along with Bi nanoparticles, confirmed the formation of a Bi/Bi2Se3 nanocomposite, while X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) demonstrated the successful formation of heterojunctions. The as‐prepared photocatalyst exhibited an impressive photocurrent density of 395 μAcm−2 at 0 V versus RHE, which is approximately eight times superior to Bi2Se3. Detailed electrochemical characterization revealed that the high photocurrent density of Bi/Bi2Se3 is due to improved light harvesting capability, enhanced charge separation, and a suppressed water oxidation back reaction. This innovative approach represents a significant advancement in solar‐driven photoelectrochemical water splitting for sustainable energy production.

Source: Chemistry - An Asian Journal

DOI: 10.1002/asia.202400858

Authors: Sumayyah Khan, Manzar Sohail, Geoffrey Will, Anthony O' Mullane, Ahmed Abdala, Md A. Wahab