Constructing NCuS Interface Chemical Bonds over SnS₂ for Efficient Solar-Driven Photoelectrochemical Water...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• SnS2 photoanodes face limitations in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting due to restricted charge transfer and slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics.
• Efficient solar water splitting requires improved photoelectrode materials with enhanced charge dynamics and catalytic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient photoelectrode for PEC water splitting by engineering interfacial bonds.
• To enhance the charge transfer and OER kinetics of SnS2-based photoanodes.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Cu-N-C@SnS2 heterojunctions by constructing interfacial N-Cu-S bonds.
• Evaluation of PEC performance using techniques like current density-voltage measurements.
• Characterization using experimental methods and theoretical calculations to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The Cu-N-C@SnS2 photoelectrode exhibited a significantly enhanced PEC activity, achieving a current density of 3.40 mA cm-2 at 1.23 VRHE.
• A negatively shifted onset potential (0.04 VRHE) was observed, indicating improved charge separation and utilization.
• The interfacial N-Cu-S bonds were shown to accelerate OER kinetics, reduce overpotential, and facilitate electron transport.

Conclusions:

• The construction of interfacial N-Cu-S bonds is an effective strategy to improve the PEC performance of SnS2 photoanodes.
• The developed Cu-N-C@SnS2 material shows great potential for efficient solar water splitting and renewable energy applications.