Photosensitizer and Charge Separator Roles of g-C₃N₄ Integrated into the CuO-Fe₂O₃ p-n Heterojunction Interface for Elevating PEC Water Splitting Potential

• DOI: 10.3390/nano15070551
• Publication Date: 2025-04-04T18:59:57Z
• Authors: Ramesh Reddy Nall...; Sai Kumar Arla; Andrés Ibáñez; Durga Prasad Pabba; Jae Hak Jung; Sang Woo Joo

In sustainable hydrogen generation, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting stands as a crucial technology, offering solutions to the global energy crisis while tackling environmental challenges. PEC water splitting relies on metal oxide nanostructures due to their unique electronic and optical characteristics. This research highlights the development of a CuO-Fe2O3@g-C3N4 nanocomposite, created through the integration of three components and fabricated via a one-pot hydrothermal process, precisely engineered to enhance PEC water-splitting efficiency. The combination of CuO, Fe2O3, and g-C3N4 results in a unified heterojunction structure that efficiently mitigates issues associated with charge carrier recombination and structural stability. Additionally, the analyses of both the structure and composition confirmed the precise synthesis of the composite. The CuO-Fe2O3@g-C3N4 nanocomposite achieved a photocurrent density of 1.33 mA cm−2 vs. Ag/AgCl upon exposure to light, demonstrating superior PEC performance and outperforming the individual CuO and Fe2O3 components. The enhanced performance is attributed to g-C3N4 acting as a photoactive material, generating charge carriers, while the combination of CuO-Fe2O3 enables efficient carrier separation and mobility. This synergistic interaction significantly enhances photocurrent generation and ensures long-term stability, positioning the material as a highly promising solution for sustainable hydrogen production. These results highlight the promise of hybrid nanocomposites in driving progress in renewable energy technologies, opening new avenues for the development of more efficient and long-lasting PEC systems.