An investigation into the rationally designed GaN:ZnO/NiTe2 composites for photocatalytic hydrogen generation under both simulated and natural solar light

초록

This study reports the successful synthesis of 1D GaN:ZnO microparticles using NH4Cl as a nitrogen source and hexagonal NiTe2 nanoparticles via a hydrothermal method. The GaN:ZnO particles were seamlessly integrated with NiTe2 nanoparticles, forming a Schottky barrier at their interfaces. The physicochemical and optical properties of the synthesized materials were characterized using XRD, SEM, XPS, UPS, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The metallic nature and suitable work function of NiTe2 enhanced the photocatalytic activity of GaN:ZnO. The influence of varying NiTe2 weight percentages on the GaN:ZnO surface was also investigated. Under optimal conditions, the photocatalyst achieved a notable hydrogen production rate of 24,971 mu mol h(-1) g(-1). The improved hydrogen evolution performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of NiTe2 on GaN:ZnO and the alignment of photocatalytic activity with light penetration at different NiTe2 loadings. The study further evaluates the photocatalyst's performance under natural sunlight, showing 82 % retention of its initial efficiency after five cycles. Additionally, post activity analysis has been conducted and the solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency was also calculated.

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