Enhancing solar-driven hydrogen production through photoelectrochemical methods via dual transition metal doping of titanium oxide to form an impurity energy band

Abstract

Developing a photoanode that is stable, efficient, and cost-effective for photoelectrochemical water splitting poses a significant challenge. To address this, we have successfully synthesized cobalt and chromium-doped Titanium dioxide (CoCrTiO2) using the hydrothermal method. This innovative approach results in an efficient, stable, and economical material. The introduction of Co and Cr through doping creates an intermediate band energy within TiO2, thereby enhancing charge separation and movement. The performance of CoCrTiO2 in the photoelectrochemical water splitting process is noteworthy. At 0 V vs Ag/AgCl, CoCrTiO2 exhibits a photocurrent density of 3.45 mAcm−2, representing an impressive 8.5 times increase compared to bare TiO2. Furthermore, when employed as a photoanode, CoCrTiO2 demonstrates a significant increase in hydrogen production. The amount of hydrogen generated is measured at 67.8 μmolecm−2, surpassing bare TiO2 by a factor of 5.6. Analysis data strongly supports CoCrTiO2 as an excellent candidate for advancing the field of photoelectrochemical water splitting due to its exceptional performance characteristics.