Efficient 1D ZnO/Cu2S heterostructure photocatalyst on topological Ag molded PVDF polymer fiber matrix for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution applications

Abstract

A heterostructure semiconductor photo-electrocatalyst ZnO/Cu2S-loaded PVDF polymer matrix is used for solar water splitting. Herein, Ag nanoparticle-casted electrospun PVDF polymer matrix fibers have been used as a platform to fabricate the 1D ZnO nanorods as a photo-electrocatalyst. The Cu2S nanoparticles passivated on the 1D ZnO nanoarray show a two-fold enhancement of the photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution. The conducting Ag nanoparticles sensitized PVDF, enhancing the conductance, and synergistically contributed to the water splitting under white light illumination. The PVDF/Ag/ZnO/Cu2S photoanode demonstrated photoelectrochemical water splitting. Ag nanoparticles (Ag NP), 1D nanostructures, and Cu2S narrowband gap semiconductors integrated into the photoanode accelerate the oxidation of the water through more visible absorption and high charge carrier transport. The PVDF/Ag/ZnO/Cu2S photoanode generates a stable saturated photocurrent density of 0.62 mA/cm2 in the −0.2 to 0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl potential window. The chemically inert PVDF fibers with an Ag metal surface show a low onset potential and a charge transfer resistance of 844 Ohm/cm2 with a 0.42% photon to electron conversion efficiency for solar water splitting. Solar water oxidation has been demonstrated under unbiased conditions.