Dual-doped ZnO nanocomposites for superior photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Dual-doped ZnO nanocomposites for superior photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Abstract The development of efficient and stable photocatalysts for hydrogen (H2) generation is crucial for sustainable energy applications. This study addresses the limitations of pristine zinc oxide (ZnO), its wide bandgap (~ 3.37 eV), and rapid charge recombination by synthesizing aluminum (Al) a...

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Main Authors: Abu Summama Sadavi Bilal, Muhammad Umair Ahsan Khan, Nayan Banik, Abdulla Hayitov, Rekha MM, Subhashree Ray, Kapil Ghai, Udaybir Singh, Egambergan Khudoynazarov, Muhammad Aleem, Akbar Ali Qureshi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-08-01
Series:Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Engineering
Subjects:
Photocatalysis
Hydrogen generation
Al-Ce co-doped ZnO
Solar energy conversion
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40712-025-00327-3
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Summary:Abstract The development of efficient and stable photocatalysts for hydrogen (H2) generation is crucial for sustainable energy applications. This study addresses the limitations of pristine zinc oxide (ZnO), its wide bandgap (~ 3.37 eV), and rapid charge recombination by synthesizing aluminum (Al) and cerium (Ce) co-doped ZnO nanocomposites (ACZO) via a scalable hydrothermal method. Structural and optical characterizations confirmed successful dopant incorporation, reduced crystallite size, and enhanced light absorption, with a narrowed bandgap of 2.64 eV. Further, these modifications suppress electron–hole recombination, as evidenced by a 70% reduction in photoluminescence intensity for ACZO compared to ZnO. Under simulated solar irradiation, the optimized ACZO nanocomposite achieved an H2 generation rate of 1474 μmol/g.h, a 2.8-fold increase over pristine ZnO, outperforming single-doped counterparts (AZO: 1.25-fold; and CZO: 1.84-fold). The optimal catalyst dosage was determined to be 1.5 g/L, balancing dispersion and light absorption. Furthermore, ACZO exhibited excellent photostability over multiple cycles, demonstrating its potential for long-term applications. This study highlights the effectiveness of dual doping in enhancing ZnO’s photocatalytic efficiency, positioning ACZO as a promising candidate for scalable solar-driven hydrogen production.
ISSN:3004-8958

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