Photoelectrochemical performance of thermally sulfurized CdxZn1-xS photoanode: Enhancement with reduced graphene oxide support

• Published in: Renewable energy 2020-12, Vol.162, p.182-195
• Main Authors: Zunain Ayaz, RanaMuhammad, Akyüz, Duygu, Uğuz, Özlem, Tanşık, İrem, Sarıoğlu, Cevat, Karaca, Fatma, Özkaya, Ali Rıza, Koca, Atıf
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Photoanodes; Photocatalyst; Photoelectrochemical water splitting; Spin coating; Sulfurization
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.07.102

In this study, photoelectrochemical performance of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-CdxZn1-xS composites, which were synthesized through a novel two-steps thermal sulfurization process by using elemental sulfur, was reported. This is the first time that the two-step thermal sulfurization process with elemental sulfur for the preparation of photoanode based on RGO-CdxZn1-xS. The electrodes exhibited high photostability and photocurrent response in the presence of visible light. The presence of RGO in CdxZn1-xS as electron collector and transporter increased the photocurrents approximately 40%. Among the RGO-CdxZn1-xS composites, RGO-CdS photoanode yielded an extremely high photocurrent density of 6.5 mAcm−2 with the rate of hydrogen production rate of 551.1μmolh−1cm−2. This value of photocurrent density is almost 89% of its theoretical value. This is the maximum attained photocurrent density with superior stability in comparison with related literature. •CdZnS based photocatalysts were synthesized through thermal sulfurization method.•Photoelectrochemical activity of each photocatalyst has been tested.•ITO/RGO-CdS appeared to be the most active and stable photocatalyst.•ITO/RGO-CdS provides the highest photocurrent density of 6.5 mAcm−2.•ABPE estimated as 2.67% at Vbias = 0V (vs. Pt-electrode).