Scaling Up the Catalytic Hydrogen Generation on a Rh–Cu@Ti3C2Tx–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@Ti₃C₂T_x 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@Ti₃C₂T_x–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@Ti₃C₂T_x–CN is attributed to the shawls-like structure of g-C₃N₄ and Rh–Cu@Ti₃C₂T_x cocatalysts that act as electron promoters. During the photoreaction, surface plasmon electrons of Cu migrate toward Ti₃C₂T_x, 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.