Active and robust novel bilayer photoanode architectures for hydrogen generation via direct non-electric bias induced photo-electrochemical water splitting

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2018-07, Vol.43 (29), p.13158-13176
• Main Authors: Patel, Prasad Prakash, Ghadge, Shrinath D., Hanumantha, Prashanth Jampani, Datta, Moni Kanchan, Gattu, Bharat, Shanthi, Pavithra Murugavel, Kumta, Prashant N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bilayer structure; Nitrogen doping; Photo-electrochemical water splitting; Tin oxide; Tungsten trioxide
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2018.05.063

Photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising and environmentally benign approach for generation of hydrogen using solar energy with minimum greenhouse gas emissions. The development of semiconductor materials for photoanode with superior optoelectronic properties combined with excellent photoelectrochemical activity and stability is vital for the realization of viable commercial development of PEC water splitting systems. Herein, we report for the very first time, the study of nanoscale bilayer architecture of WO3 and Nb and N co-doped SnO2 nanotubes (NTs), wherein WO3 NTs are coated with (Sn0.95Nb0.05)O2:N-600 (annealed in NH3 at 600 °C) layer of different thicknesses, as a potential semiconductor photoanode material for PEC water splitting. An excellent long term photoelectrochemical stability under illumination in the acidic electrolyte solution combined with a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency (STH) of ∼3.83% (under zero applied potential) is obtained for the bilayer NTs, which is the highest STH obtained thus far, to the best of our knowledge compared to the other well studied semiconductor materials, such as TiO2, ZnO and Fe2O3. These promising results demonstrate the excellent potential of bilayer NTs as a viable and promising photoanode in PEC water splitting. [Display omitted] •Bilayer nanotubes (NTs) of WO3 and (Sn0.95Nb0.05)O2:N-600 studied as photoanodes.•Bilayer strategy offers superior photogenerated charge separation and transport.•Bilayer NTs display high solar to hydrogen efficiency (∼3.83%).•Composite bilayer NTs exhibit solar to hydrogen efficiency (∼3.83%) under zero bias.•Bilayer NTs display excellent photo-electrochemical stability.