Highly photocatalytic materials based on the decoration of poly(O-chloroaniline) with molybdenum trichalcogenide oxide for green hydrogen generation from Red Sea water

Abstract

Abstract Utilizing an innovative and highly light-absorbing photocathode, the direct conversion of hydrogen gas from Red Sea water is achieved. This involves creating a new nanocomposite thin film through a one-pot synthesis method, combining poly(O-chloroaniline) with trichalcogenides (MoS3) and MoO3 (MoS3–molebednium oxide/poly(o-chloroaniline)). This nanocomposite has remarkable morphological and optical properties with potential as a photocathode for hydrogen generation by harnessing the power of Red Sea water. This nanocomposite exhibits a unique semi-spherical architecture, with an average size of around 150 nm. These semi-spherical particles are surrounded by a dense network of fibers, forming a complex structure that provides ample space for trapping photons when exposed to light. The distinctive morphology significantly influences the optical properties of this nanocomposite, showing strong absorbance across a wide range of optical wavelengths up to ∼700 nm, with a promising bandgap of 1.75 eV. The hydrogen generation is quantified by measuring the generated photocurrent density (J ph) as a function of the light incidence frequency using various optical filters at a fixed potential of −0.8 V. The highest J ph values are recorded at −0.558 and −0.553 mA·cm−2 for wavelengths of 340 and 440 nm, respectively; the value reaches its maximum at the white light with a wavelength of −0.63 mA·cm−2. Elevating the temperature from 30°C to 50°C results in a substantial enhancement of the J ph values, increasing from −0.63 to −0.71 mA·cm−2, respectively. This temperature increase leads to a noteworthy improvement in incidnce photon to current conversion from 1.85% to 2.22%. This photoelectrode demonstrates not only cost-effectiveness but also eco-friendliness, making it an attractive choice for H2 generation by Red Sea water as a natural, environmentally friendly, and economically viable hydrogen source. Consequently, this study holds significant promise for industrial applications due to its economic and eco-friendly characteristics.