Zn-doped hematite modified by graphene-like WS2: A p-type semiconductor hybrid photocathode for water splitting to produce hydrogen

A p-type Zn-doped hematite (α-Fe2O3(Zn)) in spindle-shape with an acceptor density of ca. 4.21 × 1018 cm−3 were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. After α-Fe2O3(Zn) was modified with graphene-like WS2 (α-Fe2O3(Zn)/WS2), the photoelectrochemical performances of the composite can be further enhanced. A photocell composed of the p-type α-Fe2O3(Zn)/WS2 nanocomposite as photocathode and n-type α-Fe2O3 as photoanode was assembled to estimate the photocatalytic activity of α-Fe2O3(Zn)/WS2. The amount of the hydrogen and oxygen produced from this tandem cell with the optimal electrodes under 2 h simulated solar light irradiation is 12.5 μmol and 4.3 μmol, respectively.