Enhanced hydrogen generation via overall water splitting using novel MoS2-BN nanoflowers assembled TiO2 ternary heterostructures

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 48; no. 58; pp. 22044 - 22059
• Main Authors: Ali, Syed Asim, Ahmad, Tokeer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 08.07.2023
• Subjects: Heterojunctions; Hydrogen energy; Nanocatalysis; Sustainability; Water splitting; Heterojunctions; Hydrogen energy; Water splitting; Nanocatalysis; Sustainability
• ISSN: 0360-3199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.03.118

Envisaging headway in the applicability of sustainable H2 energy, the novel report of the fabrication of MoS2-BN/TiO2 (MBT) heterogeneous nanostructures has been proposed via facile in-situ hydrothermal route with an aim to propound the superior substitute of noble metal based conventionally employed catalytic system to surmount their exorbitant cost. We inferred the ascendancy of MoS2-BN nanoflowers over pristine MoS2 counterpart in an establishment of TiO2 based heterostructured catalysis. MBT heterostrucutres were extensively scrutinized with respect to their structural, optoelectronic and computational characteristics. En route to enhanced H2 evolution, we have investigated the significance of interfacial junctions and exposed sites in the MBT heterostructures. In order to achieve broader pertinence in green H2 fuel, the performance of MBT heterostrucutres was ascertained with subject to photochemical, electrochemical and photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Loaded concentration of MoS2-BN was varied in MBT catalysts and 2.5 wt% MoS2-BN/TiO2 exhibited optimum photocatalytic response with an H2 production rate of 2.6 mmol/g/h with 6.94% AQY and improved photo-current response of 0.99 mA/cm2 towards PEC. Electrochemical investigations further intensified the caliber of MBT as HER catalyst ascribed to the higher cathodic current density of 49.23 mA/cm2 at 1.22 V potential. The advancement in the catalytic efficiency of MBT heterostructures was evidenced by the synergetic relationship between MoS2-BN and TiO2 which stimulated the separation and transfer of photo-charged carriers, and lowered the overpotential values consequently surging the kinetics of H2 evolution. [Display omitted] •Novel MoS2-BN/TiO2 heterostructures via two-step environmentally benign hydrothermal route.•Role of MoS2-BN nanoflowers in enhancing the catalytic efficiency of TiO2.•Effective band-alignment between MoS2-BN and TiO2 propelled the rate of interfacial charge transfer.•Photo/electro/photo-electrochemical routes of H2 evolution via overall water splitting.•Comparative analysis between electrochemical and photo-electrochemical operations to optimize response towards H2 production.