Cu2O Quantum Dots (QDs) Sensitized Cu/p-CuI Photo-electrode for H2 Generation through Efficient Water Splitting
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Date
2015
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Water splitting by sunlight to generate hydrogen and oxygen is a fascinating way of energy
production. Metal oxides such as Cu2O, TiO2, ZnO and WO3 with various morphologies have
been investigated for water splitting (Fujishima & Honda, 1972). However, most of these metal
oxides have large band gaps, which limit the light absorption in the visible region and hence the
overall efficiency of the process. To achieve a better photoelectrochemical response with these
materials, an extensive research has been done on adding nanostructures (Feng et al., 2008; Wu
& Yu, 2004). One possibility is the use of semiconductor nanocrystals (3D nanostructure), known
as quantum dots (QDs), as an alternative to this problem (Adachi et al., 2004). In this research
study, H2 generation at QDs is presented for the first time efficiently. Energy level positions were
used to confirm the QD sensitization process associated at Cu/p-CuI/QD electrolyte interface.
Methodology
M) solution and boiled until the
formation of Cu2O QDs on p-CuI nano-particles at Cu/p-CuI. Variation in boiling time produce
various sizes of Cu2O QD on Cu/p-CuI electrode and colour variation according to the boiling
time is shown in Fig.1 (b-f). Table 1 shows the variation of the extent of Cu2O QD produced on
the Cu/CuI photoelectrode by weight with boiling time in CuSO4 solution. The mechanism of the
formation of QDs on the p-CuI particles may be presented from the following reaction.
Description
Keywords
Materials Sciences, Materials Sciences, Water Chemistry, Water Management, Nano Materials & Nanotechnology, Chemistry