title: C@SiNW/TiO2 core-shell nanoarrays with sandwiched carbon passivation layer as high efficiency photoelectrode for water splitting.
abstract: One-dimensional heterostructure nanoarrays are efficiently promising as high performance electrodes for photo electrochemical (PEC) water splitting applications, wherein it is highly desirable for the electrode to have a broad light absorption, efficient charge separation and redox properties as well as defect free surface with high area suitable for fast interfacial charge transfer. We present highly active and unique photoelectrode for solar H2 production, consisting of silicon nanowires (SiNWs)/TiO2 core-shell structures. SiNWs are passivated to reduce defect sites and protected against oxidation in air or water by forming very thin carbon layer sandwiched between SiNW and TiO2 surfaces. This carbon layer decreases recombination rates and also enhances the interfacial charge transfer between the silicon and TiO2. A systematic investigation of the role of SiNW length and TiO2 thickness on photocurrent reveals enhanced photocurrent density up to 5.97 mA/cm(2) at 1.0 V vs.NHE by using C@SiNW/TiO2 nanoarrays with photo electrochemical efficiency of 1.17%.
authors.affiliation: 1] Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune- 411 008, MH, India [2] Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110 001, India.
authors.forename: Rami Reddy
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Devarapalli
authors.affiliation: Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune- 411 008, MH, India.
authors.forename: Joyashish
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Debgupta
authors.affiliation: 1] Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune- 411 008, MH, India [2] Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110 001, India [3] CSIR-Network Institute for Solar Energy, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune-411008, MH, India [4] CSIR-Central Electro Chemical Research Institute, Karaikudi-630006, Tamilnadu, India.
authors.forename: Vijayamohanan K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Pillai
authors.affiliation: 1] Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune- 411 008, MH, India [2] Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110 001, India [3] CSIR-Network Institute for Solar Energy, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune-411008, MH, India.
authors.forename: Manjusha V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Shelke