Near-infrared, eco-friendly ZnAgInSe quantum dots-sensitized graphene oxide-TiO2 hybrid photoanode for high performance photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

• Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are promising building-blocks for the manufacture of cost-effective photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells towards efficient solar-to-hydrogen conversion. Nevertheless, the state-of-the-art QDs-based PEC systems still suffer from the frequent utilization of highly toxic elements in QDs (Cd and Pb), hindering their future practical applications and potential commercialization. Here, we report a PEC device fabricated using eco-friendly, near-infrared (NIR) ZnAgInSe (ZAISe) QDs and hybrid TiO2/graphene oxide (GO) film. Based on the synergistic effect of QD’s broad light absorption and excellent charge extraction/transport properties of TiO2/GO film, as-assembled QDs-photoanode exhibits an outstanding saturated photocurrent density of ∼6.7 mA/cm2 with good stability under standard 1 sun illumination. The introduction of functional GO can lead to the reduced charge transfer resistance, suppressed charge recombination, and enhanced electron transport within the QDs-TiO2 photoanodes. The results offer a facile and effective method to enhance the performance of environmentally friendly QDs-based PEC devices and shed light on the development of low-cost, “green” and high-efficiency solar-to-hydrogen conversion system.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Annan fysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Other Physics Topics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Near-infrared

Eco-friendly

Colloidal quantuam dots

Graphene oxide

Hybrid photoelectrode

Photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

Experimentell fysik

Experimental Physics

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