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Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen energy production of g‐C 3 N 4 ‐WO 3 composites under visible light irradiation
Author(s) -
Tahir M.B.,
Rafique M.,
Isa Khan M.,
Majid A.,
Nazar F.,
Sagir M.,
Gilani S.,
Farooq M.,
Ahmed A.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of energy research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.808
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1099-114X
pISSN - 0363-907X
DOI - 10.1002/er.4208
Subject(s) - photocatalysis , materials science , nanocomposite , hydrogen production , visible spectrum , photoluminescence , scanning electron microscope , spectroscopy , irradiation , hydrothermal circulation , nanoparticle , hydrogen , chemical engineering , water splitting , diffuse reflectance infrared fourier transform , doping , catalysis , composite material , nanotechnology , optoelectronics , chemistry , organic chemistry , physics , nuclear physics , engineering , quantum mechanics
Summary Highly efficient hybrid g‐C 3 N 4 /WO 3 photocatalysts were fabricated by facile hydrothermal method for green hydrogen energy production under visible light irradiation. The nanostructures of WO 3 nanoparticles and exfoliated graphitized C 3 N 4 particles were prepared and were characterized by using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller techniques. The average size of the pure WO 3 nanostructures and those in the composites was 47 and 86 nm, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the prepared nanocomposites was found by increasing content of g‐C 3 N 4 up to 3%; however, further increase in doping content decreases the photocatalytic activity. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to extended visible light region, lower recombination rate, and high surface area. This in house developed g‐C 3 N 4 /WO 3 photo catalytic material will be value added addition in the field of green hydrogen energy production.