Enhanced Hydrogen Production Using EDTA-Modified Bismuth Oxyhalide Via Visible Light Photocatalysis

Abstract This study presents a novel approach to enhancing the photocatalytic performance of bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX, X = Cl, Br, I) for hydrogen production under visible light. The materials were synthesized via a low-temperature co-precipitation method, with Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) incorporated as a complexing agent. EDTA significantly improved the physicochemical properties of the BiOX materials, including a 313% increase in surface area, enhanced porosity, and optimized crystalline structure. Among the tested materials, BiOI-E (E = EDTA) exhibited the highest hydrogen production efficiency, achieving a fourfold improvement compared to its unmodified counterparts under visible light irradiation (450 nm) with methanol as a sacrificial agent. (Photo) electrochemical analysis revealed that EDTA facilitates charge carrier separation, reduces electron transport resistance, and enhances light absorption, which collectively boosts photocatalytic activity. These results underscore the synergistic role of EDTA in tailoring the structural and electronic properties of BiOX, positioning BiOI-E as a promising candidate for a cost-effective and scalable hydrogen production system. This study highlights the potential of EDTA-modified photocatalysts in advancing renewable energy technologies. Graphical Abstract