Nickel-doped ZnO structures for efficient water splitting under visible light

Abstract

In applications such as catalysis, energy generation, and storage, doped ZnO structures have shown to play a significant role due their distinctive properties. However, the doped ZnO structures in a simple synthesis method for water splitting under visible light still remains a big challenge. In the present work, Ni-doped ZnO samples were prepared at various Ni molar concentrations via a simple solid state reaction. The formation of Ni-doped ZnO were confirmed by various analysis techniques. 1 mol% Ni-doped ZnO structures showed the maximum photoelectrochemical activity under visible light. The maximum current density of similar to 3.28 mA cm(-2) in a 0.1 M NaOH electrolyte demonstrated a superior charge separation. The photocurrent density of 1 mol% Ni-doped ZnO structures showed 12 times maximum currents than that of pristine ZnO under visible light illumination. Ni-doping into ZnO sites increases efficient electron-hole separation and transfer, significantly reduces the rate of recombination. The obtained data are anticipated to be considerably supportive in evolving cheap, modest synthesis approaches and enhanced photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical applications.