Zn2x(CuIn)1−xS2 photocatalysts synthesis by a hydrothermal process using H4EDTA as complexing agent

• Published in: International journal of hydrogen energy Vol. 37; no. 21; pp. 16489 - 16497
• Main Authors: Banica, Radu, Nyari, Terezia, Sasca, Viorel
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Catalysis; CATALYSTS; Catalysts: preparations and properties; Chemistry; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Fuels; General and physical chemistry; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production; Hydrothermal method; Theory of reactions, general kinetics. Catalysis. Nomenclature, chemical documentation, computer chemistry; Visible-light-driven photocatalyst; Visible-light-driven photocatalyst; Hydrogen production; Hydrothermal method; Hydrothermal synthesis; Photocatalysis; Visible radiation; Solar radiation; Solid solution; Catalyst activity; Catalyst
• ISSN: 0360-3199; 1879-3487
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.02.181

The study of the Zn2x(CuIn)1−xS2 (0≤x≤1) solid solutions formation by hydrothermal synthesis using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (H4EDTA) as a complexant and surfactant agent is reported for the first time. Different synthesis parameters were varied: the H4EDTA concentration, the initial pH value, the Tu concentration, the duration and temperature of autoclaving process. The as obtained powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV/vis/NIR diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). The XRD and EDX results show that, with a careful adjustment of the reaction conditions, especially of the H4EDTA concentration and initial pH value of the precursor solution, a mixture of solid solutions with sphalerite type structure can be obtained, which transforms into a single phase solid solution after heat treatment. The particles, as revealed by SEM investigations, have nanoporous hexagonal microplates morphology, about 1μm thick and several microns in diameter. The Cu0.159In0.111Zn1.778S2 photocatalyst obtained by this method presents photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions containing S2− ions as sacrificial agent, even without cocatalyst. ► Hydrothermal synthesis of Zn2x(CuIn)1−xS2 photocatalysts with H4EDTA complexing agent. ► At reaction temperatures below 210°C the obtained products are poor in indium. ► EDTA favors formation of Zn2x(CuIn)1−xS2 solid solutions under certain conditions. ► Hydrogen evolution occurs over Cu0.159In0.111Zn1.778S2 photocatalyst without cocatalyst.