An efficient visible-light active photocatalyst CuAlGaO4 for solar hydrogen production

Herein, for the first time, CuAlGaO4 is demonstrated as an efficient visible-light-active (band-gap of 1.87 eV, λ ≥ 420 nm) photocatalyst for solar H2 production. The CuAlGaO4 prepared by solid-state method is capable of producing 3214 μmol of H2 per hour from H2S photodecomposition under visible-light irradiation with quantum yield of 10.8% at 550 nm. Loading with 1 wt.% NiO enhances the rate of H2 generation of the photocatalyst to 3616 μmolh−1 with quantum yield of 12.7% at 550 nm. The CuAlGaO4 exhibits a spinel structure with particle size varying from a few nanometers to a few micrometers. The regenerated catalysts validate the stability and the reusability.

Graphical AbstractCuAlGaO4 (band gap of 1.87 eV) is an efficient visible-light-active (≥ 420 nm) photocatalyst for solar H2 production from H2S photodecomposition.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► H2 is one of the most important alternative future energy sources.
► CuAlGaO4 is an efficient visible-light-active photocatalyst for H2 production.
► CuAlGaO4 (band gap 1.87 eV) produces H2 through H2S splitting under visible-light.
► Loading with 1 wt.% NiO enhances H2 generation rate of the photocatalyst.
► The catalysts are stable and reusable.