Synthesis And Application Of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles In Photocatalytic Water Splitting

Abstract

Photocatalysis is the scientific field that focuses on using catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions that are dependent on or include light. A photocatalyst is a substance that can absorb light and make electron-hole pairs, which then facilitate chemical reactions and restore its chemical structure after each cycle of interaction. Metal oxide semiconductors are ideal photocatalysts because of their exceptional photosensitivity, stability, affordability, and appropriate band gap. Photoexcited electrons are involved in reduction activities, while photogenerated holes participate in oxidation processes. When exposed to light, these charge carriers that are created by the photons create radical species (•OH-, •O2-) that are accountable for the decomposition of dyes. Photodegradation of dyes is a beneficial method for treating water by eliminating dye pollutants. The results of this study suggest that the electrolysis cell used for generating eco-friendly hydrogen could be enhanced by using nanoparticles, such titanium dioxide, as a coating on one of the metal electrodes. These nanoparticles exhibit photoactive properties, enabling them to produce a higher amount of photocurrent. Consequently, this results in an increased synthesis rate of hydrogen, so enhancing the energy efficiency of the system in the creation of ecologically beneficial green hydrogen.