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Integrating PbS Quantum Dots with Hematite for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Production
Author(s) -
Ikram Ashi,
Dass Sahab,
Shrivastav Rohit,
Satsangi Vibha R.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
physica status solidi (a)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.532
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1862-6319
pISSN - 1862-6300
DOI - 10.1002/pssa.201800839
Subject(s) - photocurrent , hematite , quantum dot , hydrogen production , materials science , photoelectrochemical cell , energy conversion efficiency , electrode , reversible hydrogen electrode , absorption (acoustics) , chemical engineering , photoelectrochemistry , nanotechnology , adsorption , hydrogen , optoelectronics , chemistry , electrolyte , electrochemistry , working electrode , composite material , organic chemistry , engineering , metallurgy
Hematite (α‐Fe 2 O 3 ) thin film modified by PbS quantum dots (QDs) using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method is investigated as photoanode in PEC cell for different number of SILAR cycles for solar hydrogen production. Modified electrode shows a substantial increment in photocurrent density as well as in incident‐photon‐to‐current‐conversion efficiency. Maximum photocurrent density of 1.04 mA cm −2 at 0.75 V SCE −1 is exhibited by 6 SILAR cycles processed PbS QDs deposited below α‐Fe 2 O 3 thin film. In depth analysis of the results of structural, optical, morphological, and photoelectrochemical characterization signifies that incorporating PbS QDs with α‐Fe 2 O 3 allows higher visible light absorption along with favorable change in morphology. Further, improved photoelectrochemical performance has also been convinced by higher open circuit potential and more negative flat band potential of the sensitized samples.