Publication: Graphene-like biochar formation from biomass and their usage as cocatalyst with semiconductors in a photocatalysis rocesses
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Date
2025-08-07
Authors
Lim, Yeow Shen
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Abstract
The global push for renewable energy arises from the urgent need to reduce environmental pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. Among sustainable solutions, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has gained attention as a clean method for hydrogen production. This project explores the use of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), derived from algae biomass, integrated with anodized nickel–titanium oxide (NiTiOx) to enhance PEC performance under solar irradiation. Graphene-like biochar was synthesized via pyrolysis of algae, followed by oxidation and chemical reduction to form rGO. NiTi were anodized in ethylene glycol-based electrolyte containing NH₄F, under varying voltages (40–80 V) and times (40–80 minutes), to produce oxide layers. The anodized samples underwent two-step annealing (air at 500 °C and Ar/H₂ atmosphere) to induce crystallization and improve conductivity. Composite electrodes were fabricated by coating rGO onto optimized NiTiOx substrates. Characterization techniques including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, FESEM, EDX, PEC Test, and UVVis DRS were used to assess the properties from different aspect. The optimal anodization condition was found at 40 V for 50 minutes, with a photocurrent density of 2.14 mA/cm² in PEC test. When forming composite, NiTiOx/rGO (synthesized) showed improve PEC performance at 2.43 mA/cm². Thus, the integration of rGO into semiconductor systems can enhance light absorption and charge transport, but the overall effectiveness depends significantly on the dispersion quality, interface compatibility, and structural integrity of the composite.