Synthesis and photoelectrochemical performance of Co doped SrTiO3 nanostructures photoanode

Abstract

It is pertinent to realize that scientific research indicates that the most promising method for producing H2 is photo electrochemical water splitting through a photo anode. Cobalt-doped SrTiO3 (Co-SrTiO3) composite nanostructures were created in this study via hydrothermal synthesis. The impact of cobalt concentration change on Co-SrTiO3 has been identified using morphological, structural, and photo electrochemical research. Surface morphology of pure SrTiO3 nanoparticles using SEM and TEM reveals that the particles are intermittently agglomerated. The inclusion of Cobalt lowered the particle size of the nanostructures to 23 nm than pure SrTiO3 (41 nm). In addition, the peak profile has been influenced by cubic phase also identified from the x-ray diffraction analysis. The purity and composition of the materials were revealed by XPS analysis. The Co-SrTiO3 composite's produced the best charge transfer and recombination capabilities at 3% Co doping, according to electrochemical chemical impedance (EIS) spectroscopy. At 0.2 V applied potential, the obtained 3% Co-doped SrTiO3 photoanode system displays a photocurrent density of around 3.45 mA/cm2. The outcomes show that a promising application for the Co-doped SrTiO3 photoanode in photoelectrochemical water splitting.