High-efficiency water splitting by optimizing piezo photocatalytic synergy in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 optimized with RGO-Co3O4

Abstract

Utilizing strain-induced polarization to amplify the performance of photo-catalytic water splitting systems has garnered significant attention. However, achieving efficient charge separation, high underwater suspension efficiency, and sustained cyclic stability remains a persistent challenge. In this study, we employed a classic low temperature ball milling technique to synthesize rhombohedral phase B0.5Na0.5TiO3 as matrix material for our composite catalyst. One-step superimposed reduced graphene oxide with cobalt oxide loading RGO-Co3O4 is used as reinforcement. We report a 14.79% increase in H2 evolution with the addition of reinforcement and optimal H2 evolution was achieved with 5% RGO Co3O4 517 μmol/g-h. After the introduction of simultaneous photo and piezoelectric potential by using ultrasonicator H2 evolution is much enhanced 109 μmol/g-h surpassing individual piezo catalysis 66 μmol/g-h and photo catalysis 64 μmol/g-h. Herein, we explore the utilization of alternative wastewater using manure and seawater as a replacement for distilled water revealing improved H2 evolution that is 1.8% and 50.4% respectively that is more than distilled water along with other useful biogases. Additionally, the catalyst demonstrates remarkable performance without a sacrificial agent further highlighting its exceptional potential. Moreover, we also uncover the role of Co3O4 as a co-catalyst and RGO as a promoter for water splitting. This work provides insight into harnessing and designing ingenuous composites for efficient and stable piezo photo catalysts for efficient and stable water-splitting systems.