title: TiO(2)/TiSi(2) heterostructures for high-efficiency photoelectrochemical H(2)O splitting.
abstract: A TiO(2)/TiSi(2) complex heteronanostructure was synthesized to improve the efficiencies of TiO(2) in photosplitting H(2)O. Photoactive TiO(2) served to convert incident photons into separated charges, and the supporting TiSi(2) nanonet acted as an efficient conductor to transport separated charges. The structural complexity of TiSi(2) also provided a framework of high surface area to enhance photoabsorption. 16.7% peak conversion efficiency was obtained when measured under monochromic UV illuminations. The TiO(2) growth was further explored to extend the absorption to the visible range by incorporating W into TiO(2), and 0.83% efficiency was measured under simulated solar lights.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, 2609 Beacon Street, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA.
authors.forename: Yongjing
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Sa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Xiaohua
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Stafford
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sheehan
authors.forename: Dunwei
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wang