Cobalt decorated graphitic carbon nitride photoanode for electrochemical ethanol oxidation: A sustainable way towards clean energy

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2023-09, Vol.48 (77), p.29982-29995
• Main Authors: Wadhwa, Ritika, Yadav, Krishna K., Ankush, Rana, Supriya, Sunaina, Jha, Menaka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR); Graphitic carbon nitride (gCN); Heterostructure; Nanosheets; Photoelectrochemical studies (PEC)
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.04.162

Energy conversion devices based on liquid fuels have gained considerable attention in recent times to meet the increasing global demand for energy. In this work, graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) nanosheets have been synthesized by pyrolysis of urea and Co has been decorated in different molar ratios over its surface by the solution phase method. The prepared catalysts have been utilized for photo electrooxidation of ethanol, an anodic half-cell reaction in direct ethanol fuel cells. Electrochemical studies show that the catalyst containing 3 mol % of Co shows the best activity with a peak current density of 6.91 mA/cm2 obtained at a peak potential of 0.28 V with maximum current density of 40 mA/cm2. The effect of light on the catalytic activity has also been studied. On illuminating the surface of the electrode with light, an increment of 85% in current density is observed which indicates higher charge transfer that enhanced the photoactivity of the catalyst. This study confirms the practical applicability of the non-expensive carbonaceous material Co–C3N4 utilization as a photoanode in future energy systems. Application of cobalt decorated graphitic nitride for photo-assisted ethanol oxidation in alkaline medium. [Display omitted] •Mechanistic insight of stabilization of graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) nanosheets.•Surface decoration with different concentration of Co on gCN at low temperature.•Electrochemical properties of samples with various amount of Co were investigated.•The catalyst containing 3 mol% Co shows best activity for ethanol oxidation with low impedance.•Photocurrent measurements shows an enhancement of 85% in the current density.