NiS modified SrTiO3:Al bifunctional photocatalyst for H2 generation and cathodic protection

Developing low-cost and high-efficiency non-precious metal cocatalysts is the key to the practical application of photocatalysis technology. Here, nickel sulfide (NiS) nanoparticles were synthesized on the surface of strontium titanate (SrTiO3) via a hydrothermal method, identifying the optimal loading molar concentration of NiS as 10 %. The solar-to-hydrogen efficiency (STH) of 10%NiS/SrTiO3:Al was enhanced by 97 times compared to SrTiO3: Al and by 1.62 times compared to RhCrCoOx/SrTiO3:Al. This improvement is primarily attributed to the metalliclike properties of NiS, which enhance the photocatalyst's light absorption capacity and charge transfer capability. Additionally, the STH value of samples loaded with both NiS and RhCrCoOx reached 0.436 %, indicating a positive synergistic effect in photocatalysis between NiS and RhCrCoOx. Their photocathodic protection capability was also studied in simulated seawater conditions, showing a reduced self-corrosion potential (-0.31V) and a low interface charge impedance (5962 K Omega). This work reveals the potential of NiS as an alternative to precious metal cocatalysts, offering new possibilities for developing cost-effective and high-performance materials for photocatalytic water splitting and photocathodic protection.