Tin diselinide a stable co-catalyst coupled with branched TiO2 fiber and g-C3N4 quantum dots for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Transitional metal dichalcogenide two-dimensional materials have revealed many astonishing properties including the substitution of noble metals as a co-catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction. Tin diselenide (SnSe2) is the one who also received substantial consideration in many fields due to low cost, earth-abundant and environment-friendly. However, the great challenge to make heterojunction with other semiconductor material to improve its efficiency for photocatalytic water splitting. For this purpose, we have prepared a 1D nanofiber of TiO2 by electrospinning and produced a needle-like structure on the fiber by following the alkali hydrothermal method. The chemical vapor deposition method (CVD) was adopted, first to load g-C3N4 QDs then nanoflakes of SnSe2 on the branched fiber of TiO2 and make a strong heterojunction. The composite interpreted excellent photocatalytic performance by producing hydrogen about 2375 μmol. g−1.h-1 having a quantum efficiency of HER more than 16 % at 420 nm. The photoluminescence, time decay fluorescent spectra and photoelectrochemical results ratified that SnSe2 not only reduces the charge recombination by increasing the transfer of electron but also provides an active site for hydrogen production as a cocatalyst. This study presents an inexpensive and environmentally friendly cocatalyst for hydrogen production as a substitution of noble metals.