Modification of MIL‐125(Ti) by Incorporating Various Transition Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Photocurrent during Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution Reactions

Abstract

AbstractHighly efficient photocatalysts of the type MxOy@MIL‐125(Ti) (MxOy= MnO2, Fe2O3, Co3O4, NiO and CuO) have been prepared by in‐situ incorporation of pre synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles into MIL‐125(Ti) through hydrothermal method. The synthesized samples have been characterized by Powder X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectrometry, Elemental Mapping, UV‐Vis spectrophotometry andN2‐adsorption Isotherm. The photoelectrochemical properties for oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction have been studied by Cyclic voltammetry and Linear sweep voltammetry analysis in 2 M aq. KOH electrolyte and stability for constant current generation of these samples is observed by Chronoamperometric measurements. These studies indicate that metal oxide nanoparticles have been successfully incorporated into MIL‐125(Ti), which enhance the efficient absorption of visible light and improve the oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reaction activity during water splitting. Furthermore, from linear sweep voltammetry results at 1mVs−1 scan rate it is observed that MxOy@MIL‐125(Ti) samples have lower onset potential and higher current density as compared to pure MIL‐125(Ti). CuO@MIL‐125(Ti)/NF exhibited highest current density, lowest onset potential and better oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction activity as compared to all other synthesized samples.