Sun-light-driven Z-scheme photocatalytic annihilation of Rhodamine B, Hydrogen production and stability assessment via facile hydrothermal preparation of novel nanocomposite Nb2O5/TiS2

Abstract

Background

Two major threats to modern society are the energy problem and water pollution. Currently, developing photocatalysts that possess both high activity and recyclability to break down pollutants remains a difficult task. The study presents a photocatalyst known as the Nb₂O₅/TiS₂ heterojunction.

Methods

This photocatalyst is created by applying TiS₂ onto the surface of Nb₂O₅ concurrently, using the hydrothermal approach. We used various methods, such as XRD, SEM, UV–vis, BET, PL, EIS, PC, Raman, and FT-IR, to examine the crystallinity, morphology, structure, surface area, and optical qualities of the as-prepared samples.

Significant findings

The Nb₂O₅/TiS₂@5 % photocatalyst has the ability to broaden the range of visible light that it can absorb, as well as aid in the efficient separation and transfer of charges. The enhanced light absorption, superior absorbability, smaller band gap, and higher rate of separation of photo-generated charge carriers are all responsible for the increased photocatalytic activity as well as the higher hydrogen production. It was also observed that by the increasing in the ratio of TiS₂ in pure Nb₂O₅ the features like crystallinity, optical and morphology was also enhanced. When exposed to visible light irradiation, the breakdown rate of Rhodamine B reached its highest point (99 %) in just 56 min. Furthermore, the synthesized photocatalyst showed excellent versatility, durability, and recyclability. We developed a Z-scheme transfer channel to enhance the photocatalytic performance based on findings from radical trapping studies, optical analysis, and photo-electrochemical analysis.The Nb₂O₅/TiS₂@5 % photocatalyst produced more hydrogen gas (14.8 mmol/gh) than their singlet components (Nb₂O₅, TiS₂). The optimized nanocomposite (Nb₂O₅/TiS₂@5 %) has great reductive and oxidative properties, and the Z scheme operation makes it much more stable. This photocatalyst worked exceptionally well for deterioration, producing hydrogen quickly and efficiently. These factors make it much better for use in photocatalysis and hydrogen production.