Synthesis and Investigation of Light Assisted Catalytic OER/HER Behavior of g-C₃N₄/Al₂S₃ Nanocomposite

The pursuit of high-performance and cost-effective photoelectrocatalysts for water splitting stands as a focal point in sustainable energy research. In this investigation, we present the fabrication of a novel multifunctional g-C₃N₄/Al₂S₃ nanocomposite as photoelectrocatalyst utilizing the co-precipitation method. Tailored for application in photoelectrochemical water splitting under alkaline conditions, the resulting nanocomposite underwent physical characterization via X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, affirming its well-defined shape, size and crystallinity. Employing a three-dimensional nickel foam substrate as a conducting support, we scrutinized the performance of the g-C₃N₄/Al₂S₃ nanocomposite in the light assisted Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER). Our findings reveal the nanocomposites superiority over its pristine components (g-C₃N₄ and Al₂S₃) in terms of charge transport within an alkaline medium. Additionally, the g-C₃N₄/Al₂S₃ nanocomposite showcases enhanced photoelectrocatalytic efficiencies, achieving low overpotentials of 111 mV for HER and 217 mV for OER respectively, to reach a current density of 10 mA cm^–2. The prepared g-C₃N₄/Al₂S₃ electrocatalyst demonstrates exceptional durability in both HER and OER processes, attributed to the robust electronic coupling between g-C₃N₄ and Al₂S₃. This study marks a significant advancement in the development of efficient and robust photoelectrochemical systems for water splitting, promising a brighter future for sustainable energy production.