Fabrication of MOFs’ derivatives assisted perovskite nanocrystal on TiO2 photoanode for photoelectrochemical glycerol oxidation with simultaneous hydrogen production

Abstract

To alleviate the energy-crisis and achieve sustainable development, developing efficient energy production strategies is urgent. Here, a novel hierarchical photoanode based on metal-organic framework derived N-doped-carbon TiO2/CsPbBr3/TiO2 (MOF-derived TiO2(N-C)/CPB/TiO2) nanorod is constructed as photoanode for high-performance photoelectrochemical (PEC) glycerol oxidation with simultaneous hydrogen production, to demonstrate a high reactant efficiency during water splitting. With the modification of MOF derivatives assisted CPB, the optical-response and carrier separation are greatly enhanced. The chemical bonding between CPB and MOF-derived N-C can anchor the CPB nanoparticles on the MOF-derived framework, ensuring system stability. By optimizing the electrolyte composition with glycerol adding to the acid Na2SO4 electrolyte, the electrode/electrolyte interfacial carrier injection efficiency is greatly enhanced, leading to improved photocurrent density. Simultaneously, this electrolyte composition adjustment produces value-added chemical materials (1,3-dihydroxyacetone and glyaldehyde), thereby improving the overall photo-induced carrier utilization. With the above synergy optimization, the TiO2(N-C)/CPB/TiO2 photoanode achieves enhanced photocurrent density of 4.50 mA cm−2 at the bias of 1.2 V vs. RHE (in acid Na2SO4/glycerol electrolyte). This work provides novel ideas to construct high-efficient PEC systems with improved carrier utilization efficiency for both high-value chemical and clean energy production.