Enhanced solar-driven photoelectrochemical water splitting using nanoflower Au/CuO/GaN hybrid photoanodes

Abstract

Harnessing solar energy for large-scale hydrogen fuel (H₂) production shows promise in addressing the energy crisis and ecological degradation. This study focuses on the development of GaN-based photoelectrodes for efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, enabling environmentally friendly H₂ production. Herein, a novel nanoflower Au/CuO/GaN hybrid structure was successfully synthesized using a combination of methods including successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), RF/DC sputtering, and metal–organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) techniques. Structural, morphological, and optical characteristics and elemental composition of the prepared samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, respectively. PEC and electrochemical impedance measurements were performed for all samples. The nanoflower Au/CuO/GaN hybrid structure exhibited the highest photocurrent density of ∼4 mA cm⁻² at 1.5 V vs. RHE in a Na₂SO₄ electrolyte with recorded moles of H₂ of about 3246 μmol h⁻¹ cm⁻². By combining these three materials in a unique structure, we achieved improved performance in the conversion of solar energy into chemical energy. The nanoflower structure provides a large surface area and promotes light absorption while the Au, CuO, and GaN components contribute to efficient charge separation and transfer. This study presents a promising strategy for advancing sustainable H₂ production via efficient solar-driven water splitting.