Built in electric-field active 2D β-BN/ZIS coated water-fed photoelectrode for methane conversion into hydrogen gas and VAPs through non-oxidative coupling

The photocatalytic conversion of methane into value added products with an add on power generation offers new sustainable solution for the GHG and commercial methane reforming. In present study photo-electrochemical conversion of CH4 gas into H2 gas and other value-added products like C2H6, C3H8, and C4H10 gas under ambient conditions through non-oxidative coupling of CH3* radicals at chain termination were investigated. Interfaces between two photocenters hinder the charge mobility therefore, built-in electric field induced VDW heterojunction of 2D/2D β-BiNbO4/ZnIn2S4 is constructed to enhance the spatial separation of excitons. Additionally, to remove the bubble diffusion challenge of gas to liquid phase 2D β-BiNbO4/ZnIn2S4 coated PES Air-photoanode is adopted. It presented gas phase photocatalysis redox reaction of alkylation and significant hydrogen generation. Presence of porous morphology and polar group in PES increased the ECSA and performance of photoanode by reducing the Rs, Rct and accumulation layer impedances. Electrochemical analysis also proven the potency of VDW 2D β-BN/ZIS for substantial hydrogen generation. 14.2% light-to-hydrogen efficiency with 61% selectivity was observed which is much higher than most of the reported LTH efficiency of photo fuel cell. The light-to fuel (LTF) efficiency is more than 17.3% and 49.7 mW/m2 of power production providing an opportunity to oxidise the methane under the ambient environment into energy-rich derivatives along with electricity generation.