ZnO/CuO based dye sensitized photocatalytic hydrogen production from water

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy 2025-01, Vol.98, p.1087-1098
• Main Authors: Guo, Xiaojing, Ju, Weixuan, Luo, Zhanzhou, Ruan, Bei, Wu, Kezhong, Li, Ping
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dye sensitization; p-n heterojunction; Photocatalytic H2 production; Water; ZnO/CuO
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.12.117

Photocatalytic H2 production from water provides hope for alleviating the energy crisis. In this work, ZnO/CuO composites were synthesized using a simple one-step hydrothermal method and employed as catalysts for H2 production. The photocatalytic performance of the ZnO/CuO composites was investigated using TEOA as a sacrificial agent under simulated sunlight irradiation. The effects of sacrificial agent concentration, catalyst dosage, and Zn/Cu molar ratio of the catalyst on H2 evolution were explored. Additionally, rhodamine B, erythrosine B, and eosin Y dyes were selected for sensitizing the ZnO/CuO composite to further improve photocatalytic efficiency. Under optimal conditions, a maximum H2 production of 6615.94 μmol g−1 h−1 was achieved, which was 55.3 times and 74.6 times greater than those of pure ZnO and pure CuO, respectively. The p-n heterojunction established at the interface of ZnO/CuO, as well as the electron transfer from the dye sensitizer to the catalyst surface, contributed greatly to photocatalytic H2 production. •ZnO/CuO photocatalysts are prepared by hydrothermal method.•A maximum hydrogen production of 6615.94 μmol g−1 h−1 is achieved.•ZnO/CuO p-n heterojunction facilitates the charge separation.•Excited dye molecules inject electrons into the catalyst and promote H2 evolution.•The photocatalytic mechanism of hydrogen production is proposed.