Efficient solar photo-electrochemical hydrogen generation using nanocrystalline CeFeO3 synthesized by a modified microwave assisted method.

Pure phase of CeFeO 3 perovskite was synthesized by using a modified microwave-assisted method and was systematically studied by photo-electrochemical (PEC) investigations for water splitting reaction. Characterization studies confirm the formation of crystalline orthorhombic single phase perovskite structure with space group Pbnm and having agglomerated sponge-like morphology with nano size grains. DRS shows broad absorption in UV–Visible region, while tauc plot also inferred estimated band gap of 1.9 eV. The photo-activity of their screen printed thin film was analyzed by PEC studies, which includes photocurrent, EIS spectra, MS-plot, J-V plots. On illumination, EIS analysis of CeFeO 3 reveals improved charge transfer at interfaces of semiconductor/electrolyte. The photocurrent density difference of CeFeO 3 was increased to 6.9 mA cm −2 at an applied bias of 1.5 V vs (Ag/AgCl). PEC H 2 evolution shows significant cumulative hydrogen rate of 12.3 μmol cm −2 h −1 . All these results reveal that the microwave-synthesized CeFeO 3 is a potential candidate for PEC application under the visible light illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]