Innovative approach to solar hydrogen generation using <scp>SnO₂</scp> photocatalyst in water splitting

Abstract This research explores the capabilities of SnO 2 thin films in renewable energy, with a focus on hydrogen generation through photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identifies a tetragonal rutile crystal structure, indicating a highly crystalline phase free from secondary phases. A crystallite size of about 40 nm, determined via the Debye–Scherrer formula, suggests enhanced catalytic suitability for PEC applications. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals a web‐like, rough surface, beneficial for water splitting by providing a high surface area that improves light absorption and charge transfer. The interconnected SnO 2 nanoparticles, averaging 28.63 nm in size, create active sites that further boost photocatalytic performance. UV‐Vis spectroscopy shows strong absorption in the UV range (300–330 nm) with limited visible light absorption, consistent with a wide bandgap of approximately 3.63 eV. With 72.5% transparency in the visible spectrum, SnO 2 proves effective as a transparent conducting oxide (TCO), advantageous in optoelectronic devices. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) highlights low charge transfer resistance, and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) reveals significant photocurrent density, supporting SnO 2 's effectiveness in PEC applications. The solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) efficiency is 3.526% at 0.8 V, demonstrating SnO 2 's proficiency in hydrogen production. Additionally, chronoamperometry confirms the film's stability and light responsiveness. A high hydrogen production rate of 3256.93 mol/g over 6 h is attributed to the porous structure of the film, which enhances light harvesting and the hydrogen evolution reaction. These findings establish SnO 2 thin films as a promising material for hydrogen generation and renewable energy applications.