Research Projects

Photoelectrochemical water splitting has gained significant attention for hydrogen generation, but the main challenge remains in improving hydrogen production efficiency. Various metal oxides and metal sulfides have been explored for efficient scaling up, but have not yet reached the milestone. Two-dimensional (2D) metal chalcogenides and porous bimetallic MOFs (MOFs) have potential for visible-light-driven water splitting. The current concept of using porous bimetallic MOFs mobilized TMCs as photoelectrodes is essential for cost-effective hydrogen fuel generation via visible-light-driven photocatalytic water splitting. The physicochemical properties of TMCs and MOFs consisting of 3d transition metal ions are believed to complement each other, achieving reduced onset potential and larger photocurrent, thus offering better hydrogen generation efficiency. TMCs of 3d transition metal ions will be synthesized using cost-effective chemical vapor deposition techniques, while porous MOFs of 3d transition metal ions will be obtained using a green synthesis approach. These MOFs and TMCs will be optimized independently for excellent photocatalytic water splitting performance. This proposal aims to develop novel photoactive materials with higher-level ability to generate hydrogen via the energy-transfer process from TMCs to MOFs, addressing the challenge of hydrogen fuel generation for indigenously developed buses in India.

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