FABRICATION OF Cdse-SmCoO3 PHOTOANODE FOR PHOTO-ELECTROCHEMICAL WATER APPLICATION

The perovskite structured SmCoO3 nanoparticles were synthesized via solid sate reaction and CdSe quantum dots (QDs) via hot injection method. The CdSe QDs were functionalized on SmCoO3 nanoparticles using mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), where the CdSe QDS were treated in first with MPA and subsequently with SmCoO3 nanoparticles to from CdSe @ SmCoO3 heterostructure. The crystalline nature and particle morphology were analysed using XRD and TEM techniques. The light sensitive absorption properties of SmCoO3 nanoparticles and CdSe sensitized SmCoO3 were studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The band gap is tuned up to 2.4 eV by functionalization of CdSe QDs, while the bare perovskite demonstrated 3.37 eV. This emphasizes the band energy formation and would encourage the photo generated electron transfer from photo-anode to counter electrode for hydrogen evaluation. Photo-electrochemical water splitting studies were conducted in 1M Na2S sacrificial electrolyte with 100 mW/cm2 light illumination effect using three electrode systems. The CdSe/SmCoO3 photo-anode exhibited current density of ~39.5 mA/cm2 under light, while ~32.5 mA/cm2 exhibited in dark at 0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), implying 7 mA/cm2 photo current density achieved at 0.8 V (vs. Ag/AgCl).