Zn–Ni–P Nanoparticles Decorated g-C₃N₄ Nanosheets Applicated as Photoanode in Photovoltaic Fuel Cells

Abstract

A novel ternary hybrid catalyst with high-efficient photoelectrocatalytic property, namely composite photocatalyst of Zn–Ni–P@C₃N₄, was successfully designed and prepared for ethanol oxidation in alkaline media. A new electrode material for photoactivated fuel cells (PFC) was proposed. The Zn–Ni–P@C₃N₄ photoanode was used to generate electricity by catalytic oxidation of ethanol which was used as a direct fuel. The catalyst with ternary hybrid structure exhibiteds superior catalytic activity for ethanol oxidation. Compared to the nanostructures of Zn–P@C₃N₄ and Ni–P@C₃N₄ respectively, it possessed a more negative onset potential, higher oxidation peak current, a greater peak current density and minimum mass transfer resistance. These unique properties above were proved by a series of characterizations which include Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Linear Scan Voltammetry (LSV), Current–time curves and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) etc. The excellent electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic performance could be ascribed to the maximum interfacial contact of Ni₂P, ZnP₂ and g-C₃N₄, which decreases the agglomeration of nanostructures and effectively suppresses the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole. This work provides a strategy for the synthesis of superior semiconductor which can be used as an efficient visible-light-driven catalyst for photochemical synthesis and energy conversion.

Graphic Abstract