title: Cl-doped ZnO nanowires with metallic conductivity and their application for high-performance photoelectrochemical electrodes.
abstract: Doping semiconductor nanowires (NWs) for altering their electrical and optical properties is a critical strategy for tailoring the performance of nanodevices. ZnO NWs grown by hydrothermal method are pervasively used in optoelectronic, photovoltaic, and piezoelectric energy-harvesting devices. We synthesized in situ Cl-doped ZnO NWs with metallic conductivity that would fit seamlessly with these devices and improve their performance. Possible Cl doping mechanisms were discussed. UV-visible absorption spectroscopy confirmed the visible light transparency of Cl-doped ZnO NWs. Cl-doped ZnO NW/TiO2 core/shell-structured photoelectrochemical (PEC) anode was fabricated to demonstrate the application potential of highly conductive ZnO NWs. Higher photocurrent density and overall PEC efficiency compared with the undoped ZnO NW-based device were achieved. The successful doping and low resistivity of ZnO could unlock the potential of ZnO NWs for applications in low-cost flexible transparent electrodes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, ‡Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and §Materials Science Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, Wisconsin 53706, United States.
authors.forename: Fei
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Jung-Hun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.forename: Zhaodong
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Alexander V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Kvit
authors.forename: Zhenqiang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Xudong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang