Electrospun SrTiO₃ nanofibers for photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Abstract

Abstract

Review of one-dimensional and two-dimensional nanostructured materials for hydrogen generation

“…5,99 The density of active surface sites increases with increasing SA, [100][101][102] particularly with 1D nanostructures, which have fast charge transfer rates and efficient charge separation. 103 For example, NWs, 93,104,105 NTs, [106][107][108][109][110] NRs/ nanoribbons [111][112][113][114][115][116] and NFs 44,[117][118][119][120][121] have shown great potential for the production of H 2 . However, it is vital to understand which type of 1D structure is better for the generation of H 2 .…”

“…198 Similar to the earlier examples, the H 2 yield is dependent on the calcination temperature and the SA. 120 These composite fibres contrast with core-shell structures where the combination of materials can be selected so that electrons are transferred to the shell region and holes are transferred to the core region. However, in composite structures, the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes is delayed during the transfer while both stay within the structure.…”

Synthesis and Analysis of Electrospun SrTiO3 Nanofibers with NiO Nanoparticles Shells as Photocatalysts for Water Splitting

“…Hydrogen has been recognized as an ideal alternative to fossil fuels in the future since it has high heat of combustion, and the product of that combustion is water vapor instead of carbon dioxide . However, there is no natural reserve of hydrogen gas, and renewable hydrogen production is still not popular due to its high cost . Recently, hydrogen production via water electrolysis is only 5%, while hydrogen produced from fossil fuels is 95% .…”

“…After their preliminary work, efforts have focused on modifying TiO 2 in order to enhance photocatalyst efficiency in the visible light spectrum. Strontium titanate (SrTiO 3 ), like anatase TiO 2 , has a band level that is suitable for photocatalyst water splitting because its valence and conduction bands are lower and higher, respectively, than the oxidation‐reduction levels of water . Additionally, the perovskite structure of SrTiO 3 makes it suitable for doping for electronic modifications …”

“…These electrons and holes reduce and oxidize, respectively, the chemical species on the surface of the photocatalyst . Strontium titanate is a very suitable semiconductor for overall water splitting, since its valence and conduction bands are lower and higher, respectively, than the oxidation‐reduction levels of water …”