ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites as efficient photocatalysts for sustainable hydrogen generation

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Hydrogen (H2) production has recently attracted global attention as a promising energy source due to its clean, environmentally friendly, and renewable nature. In this work, ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites-based photocatalyst was hydrothermally synthesized using high-purity natural hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanopowder, urea, and zinc nitrate. XRD analysis confirmed the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanoparticles and rhombohedral α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles without any noticeable phase impurity. SEM images revealed the agglomeration in α-Fe2O3/ZnO nanocomposites-based photocatalysts. The optimal α-Fe2O3/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited a remarkable H2 evolution rate of 2190 μmol.g−1h−1 outperformed pristine ZnO nanoparticles (515 μmol.g−1h−1) and α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles (477 μmol.g−1h−1) alone by 4.25 and 4.59 times, respectively. The excellent stability was also demonstrated by α-Fe2O3/ZnO photocatalyst nanocomposite affirming the durability after four successive photocatalytic cycles by maintaining a constant H2 evolution rate. The α-Fe2O3/ZnO nanocomposites-based photocatalyst allowed effective electron transport, making it easier for photogenerated charge carriers to migrate in a specific direction and separate. These findings underscore the potential of ZnO/α-Fe2O3 nanocomposites for sustainable hydrogen production.

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