Different architectures of thin film bilayers based on TiO2 and CuO for green hydrogen generation

Identifier:  imarina:9462775

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9462775

Authors:  Banás-Gac, J; Radecka, M; Llobet, E; Partyka-Jankowska, E; Zakrzewska, K

Abstract:
Green hydrogen becomes one of the most important of all other forms due to ecological issues, described in directives requiring the transformation to energy sources with the lowest possible carbon footprint. The application of the PhotoElectrochemical Cell where hydrogen is produced with the direct use of solar energy is the best solution. Bilayer and multilayered systems based on CuO, especially in combination with TiO2 seem to be the most frequently studied of all heterostructured nanomaterials when considering green hydrogen generation. The interface created between rough surface of CuO and smooth TiO2 surface ensures the highest photocurrent when the top layer is of about 150 nm. For CuO(top)/TiO2 heterojunction characterized by rough/rough interface, photoeletrochemical performance also improves with increasing thickness of the top layer up to 100 nm. The cathodic character of the photocurrent is observed for both TiO2(top)/CuO and CuO(top)/TiO2 bilayers.