Bunch of Grape-Like Shape PANI/Ag2O/Ag Nanocomposite Photocatalyst for Hydrogen Generation from Wastewater

Polyaniline (PANI) and PANI/Ag 2 O/Ag composites I and II were prepared under different AgNO 3 oxidant concentrations using the oxidative photopolymerization method. The chemical structure and optical, electrical, and morphological properties were determined for the prepared nanocomposite. The PANI/Ag 2 O/Ag composite II has the optimum optical properties, in which the bandgaps of PANI, composite I, and composite II are 3.02, 1.71, and 1.68 eV, respectively, with the morphology of a bunch of grape-like shapes with average particles sizes of 25 nm. Under the optimum optical properties, glass/PANI/Ag 2 O/Ag composite II electrode is used for hydrogen generation from sewage water. The measurements are carried out from a three-electrode cell under a xenon lamp. The effects of light wavelengths and temperature on the produced current density ([Formula: see text]) are mentioned. Under the applied voltage (at 30°C), the current density values ([Formula: see text]) increase from 0.003 to 0.012 mA.cm -2 in dark and light, respectively. While increasing the temperature, [Formula: see text] values increase to 0.032 mAcm -2 at 60°C. The thermodynamic parameters are calculated, in which the activation energy ([Formula: see text]), enthalpy ([Formula: see text]), and entropy ([Formula: see text]) values are 27.1 kJ·mol -1 , 24.5 J mol -1 , and 140.5 J K -1 mol -1 , respectively. Finally, a simple mechanism for the produced hydrogen generation rate is mentioned. The prepared electrode is a very cheap (1$ for [Formula: see text]) electrode.