Solar/photoelectrocatalytic cell development for H2 production and simultaneous organic dye degradation

Abstract

The situation of alternative energy and environmental management is an urgent problem that must be solved. This research aims to improve photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) cells for hydrogen (H2) production and simultaneous organic degradation as an alternative way to solve this problems. We developed Cu2O film fabrication using a cyclic voltammetry deposition (CVD) method for optimal H2 production efficiency. We designed the PEC cell using a Cu2O photocathode developed in conjunction with a WO3/BiVO4 photoanode for simultaneous H2 production and organic dye degradation. The PEC cell was then designed to separate H2 gas from the system, including the solar cells as bias potential units to save energy in the operation process. The Cu2O photocathode shows high efficiency of H2 production related to its absorption properties and morphology, as well as a charge transfer rate improvement. The optimum conditions for FTO/Cu2O electrode fabrication was the precursor solution's original pH value and a scan rate of 50 mV/s for 20 cycles with hydrogen generation of 5.9 mL/h. The developed solar/PEC cell presents high efficiency for methylene blue (MB) degradation up to 97% for 3 h under an applied potential of 0.4 V and visible light irradiation. The highlight of this developed cell is a high-efficiency Cu2O cathode for H2 production, and the designed PEC cell can simultaneously eliminate organic waste. Notably, the design of the solar cell panel as an applied potential unit can reduce the energy consumption of the system. This developed solar/PEC cell suitable for the alternative energy and waste water treatment applications.