Synthesis and characterization of bifunctional β-MnO2-based Pt/C photoelectrochemical cell for hydrogen production

A manganese dioxide (β-MnO2) photocatalyst for light-induced water splitting and hydrogen generation is studied via the impregnation and heat treatment method. The phase and fluorescence characterizations are examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence. A series of peaks for its (110) and (200) planes are identified as those for pure β-MnO2 crystals with lattice spacings of 3.11 and 2.19 Å, respectively. The photoluminescence shows that the primary signals are located in the blue-violet spectral region, corresponding to the band-edge emission of β-MnO2 (376 nm). Furthermore, two types of photoelectrochemical cell with added Pt are constructed to compare hydrogen production rates. A significant enhancement of light-induced hydrogen generation by water splitting is observed on Pt/β-MnO2/C, with a hydrogen generation rate of 194.67 μmol cm−1 h−1, greater than that on a Pt/TiO2/C photocatalyst, which can be attributed to the effective inhibiting of CO poisoning, thus maintaining the catalyst's surface area in methanol oxidation.

► The presence of the β-MnO2 photocatalyst can promote the H2 production rate.
► The use of β-MnO2 photocatalyst can inhibit CO poisoning.
► The β-MnO2 photocatalyst can effectively maintain the catalyst activity.
► The Pt/β-MnO2/C based MEA had the better polarization properties than another case.