PdS Coupled Nb₂O₅ Superstructure for Photocatalytic Overall Water Splitting

Abstract

An efficient approach to resolve the current energy crisis is the photocatalytic production of hydrogen that is renewable and readily available from water and solar energy. In this study, we prepared nanocomposites by coupling PdS nanodisks on selfassembled Nb 2 O 5 superstructures and demonstrated them as an efficient water splitting photocatalyst for oxygen and hydrogen production. Various characterization techniques were employed to examine the physical and chemical properties and advantages of the Nb 2 O 5 /PdS nanocomposite over bare Nb 2 O 5 superstructure and PdS nanoparticles. The synthesized nanocomposite showed a hydrogen evolution rate of 665 μmol g À 1 min À 1 and oxygen evolution rate of 211 μmol g À 1 min À 1 , which is twice as high as that of Nb 2 O 5 superstructure and three times higher than that of PdS nanoparticles. The composite survived without any structural deterioration, even after six treatment cycles, thereby indicating its practical applicability.

Boosting photocurrent of anodized Nb2O5 by synergetic post-synthesis electrochemical treatment

“…In addition, it can produce hydrogen from various feedstocks, including methanol, ethanol, natural gas, and biomass. [3][4][5].…”

“…2 In addition, it can produce hydrogen from various feedstocks, including methanol, ethanol, natural gas, and biomass. [3][4][5] Anodizing can be used to synthesize niobium pentoxide, resulting in the formation of a dense and adherent oxide layer. This oxide layer enhances corrosion resistance and exhibits excellent biocompatibility, making it promising for biomedical applications like implants and surgical instruments.…”

Synthesis of corn straw based carbon doped Nb 2 O 5 as photocatalysts for Rhodamine B degradation under visible light illumination

“…However, the bandgap width of Nb 2 O 5 is 3.4eV, which limits its application as it can only utilize visible light in sunlight. In order to further improve the photocatalytic activity of Nb 2 O 5 , researchers have adopted methods such as doping [10][11][12][13], precious metal deposition [14][15][16], and semiconductor composite [17][18][19]to modify it. Previously, we have successfully prepared C doped Nb 2 O 5 with excellent photocatalytic activity under visible light using ethanol and acetic acid as carbon sources [20].…”