CuxO-modified inkjet printed TiO2 thin films photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting

Abstract

For the past decades, the scientific community has attempted to develop photocatalysts to obtain green hydrogen to diversify the current energy vectors, largely based on fossil fuels. In this context, many researchers have focused on modifying well-known photocatalysts such as TiO₂ using other transition metals to boost photocatalytic activity in H₂ production. However, powdered materials are difficult to reuse after prolonged exposure to liquid media in photocatalytic reactors. In this work, we have taken an alternative approach by developing structured catalysts based on TiO₂ thin films and different Cu species. Photoluminescence analysis showed that incorporating Cu species on the TiO₂ thin film decreases the e^--h⁺ recombination rate. The photocatalytic activity of the nanostructured thin films is 298 µmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ which is comparable to the reports described in the literature. Additionally, the thin films have simple and reproducible manufacturing, are easy to handle, are reusable and cost-effective. All these facts, make them a significantly more efficient technology than the counterpart powder materials.