Bismuth molybdate-bismuth sulfide/poly (2-aminobenzene-1-thiol) nanocomposite impact on hydrogen generation from wastewater without external electrolyte
摘要
Hydrogen gas (H2) production from sanitation water represents a groundbreaking approach to utilizing an unconventional yet sustainable electrolyte source for green hydrogen generation. In this study, an innovative photocathode is synthesized using a nanocomposite of bismuth molybdate, bismuth sulfide, and poly(2-aminobenzene-1-thiol) (Bi2MoO6–Bi2S3/P2ABT). The synthesis involved a two-step process: first, the preparation of Bi2MoO6, and then the oxidation of 2-aminobenzenethiol to form the complete composite. The resulting nanocomposite exhibits exceptional optical properties, including a broad absorption spectrum and an optimal optical bandgap of 1.8 eV that estimate a promising photocatalytic application, particularly in harnessing solar energy to drive hydrogen evolution reactions. The photocathode is applied inside a three-electrode cell under full-spectrum white light, at different specific wavelengths, and in complete darkness. Under white light illumination, the current density (Jph), which correlates directly with hydrogen gas production, is − 0.19 mA.cm−2 that decreased slightly under monochromatic light conditions, registering − 0.18 mA.cm−2 at 340 nm and − 0.16 mA.cm−2 at 730 nm, demonstrating the photocathode's responsiveness to different wavelengths. In dark conditions, the Jph dropped significantly, highlighting the photocatalytic nature of the hydrogen production process. The evaluated H2 rate under white light is 5.0 µmol/h per 10 cm2. Notably, the photocathode’s fabrication process is cost-effective and straightforward, making it aviable candidate for large-scale applications. Utilizing sanitation water offers a dual benefit through its applications as an electrolyte: sustainable energy production and wastewater valorization.