Scaling Up the Catalytic Hydrogen Generation on a Rh–Cu@Ti₃C₂T_<i>x</i>–CN System: A Strategic Approach for Green Fuel Production

In this work, we designed a sustainable approach to produce hydrogen from water splitting. The purpose of this study is to synthesize and explore efficient catalysts that can effectively rely on sunlight. For this purpose, g-C3N4 shawls have been prepared and sensitized with Rh–Cu@Ti3C2Tx as cocatalysts for developing electron-rich systems. Morphology, optical characteristics, and chemical compositions have been assessed via XRD, FTIR, Raman, UV–Vis/DRS, SEM, AFM, and XPS analytical techniques. Thermal stability, magnetic properties, electron transport, and charge-transfer progress has been confirmed by TGA, VSM, PL, and EIS analysis. Photoreactions and photoelectrocatalytic reactions have been carried out in a photoreactor (150 mL/Velp–UK) and CHI660D workstation, respectively. The hydrogen production tests were monitored/assessed on a gas chromatograph GC–TCD (Shimadzu/Japan). Results revealed that the ascribed catalyst has exceptional potential to produce hydrogen from water splitting. Rh–Cu@Ti3C2Tx–CN shawls have potentially delivered hydrogen with a rate of 26.67 mmol g–1 h–1 via photoreaction, whereas 66.2 mmol h–1 m–2 as a photoelectrocatalyst (PEC). This exceptional hydrogen generation on Rh–Cu@Ti3C2Tx–CN is attributed to the shawls-like structure of g-C3N4 and Rh–Cu@Ti3C2Tx cocatalysts that act as electron promoters. During the photoreaction, surface plasmon electrons of Cu migrate toward Ti3C2Tx, increasing its electron density. These electrons subsequently move to Rh that readily adsorbs and reduces H+ ions to produce H2 gas. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the designed material represents a significant breakthrough for green energy technologies.