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Abstract Hydrogen gas is a prominent focus in pursuing renewable and clean alternative energy sources. The quest for maximizing hydrogen production yield involves the exploration of an ideal photocatalyst and the development of a simple, cost‐effective technique for its generation. Iron titanate has garnered attention in this context due to its photocatalytic properties, affordability, and non‐toxic nature. Over the years, different synthesis routes, different morphologies, and some modifications of iron titanate have been carried out to improve its photocatalytic performance by enhancing light absorption in the visible region, boosting charge carrier transfer, and decreasing recombination of electrons and holes. The use of iron titanate photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction has seen an upward trend in recent times, and based on available findings, more can be done to improve the performance. This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of photocatalysis for hydrogen generation, encompassing the synthesis, morphology, and application of iron titanate‐based photocatalysts. The discussion delves into the limitations of current methodologies and present and future perspectives for advancing iron titanate photocatalysts. By addressing these limitations and contemplating future directions, the aim is to enhance the properties of materials fabricated for photocatalytic water splitting.
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Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Using Mesoporous Honeycomb Iron Titanate
Abstract Mesoporous honeycomb iron titanate using a sol‐gel, evaporation‐induced self‐assembly method is synthesized. A triblock copolymer, F127, serves as a structure‐directing agents, with iron chloride and titanium (IV) isopropoxide as inorganic precursors. The strong intermolecular force of attraction among urea, metal precursors, and polymer led to the formation of the mesoporous honeycomb structure. The study of physicochemical properties using different techniques reveals the formation of microstructures with a remarkable degree of porosity. The amorphous iron titanate outperforms the photochemical generation of H2due to its disorderly structural arrangement and incomplete crystal formation. The randomness on the structure provides more area for catalytic reaction by providing more contact with the reactant and superior light absorption capability. The high amount of hydrogen gas, 40.66 mmolg−1h−1, is observed in the investigation over 3 h of activity for the iron titanate honeycomb sample. This yield is a more significant amount compared to the obtained for the commercially available TiO2(23.78 mmolg−1h−1). The iron titanate materials synthesized with low‐cost materials and methods are very effective and have the potential for hydrogen generation.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2000310
- PAR ID:
- 10489866
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Small
- Volume:
- 20
- Issue:
- 29
- ISSN:
- 1613-6810
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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