CdS/Zr:Fe2O3Nanorod Arrays with Al2O3Passivation Layer for Photoelectrochemical Solar Hydrogen Generation.
CdS-sensitized 1 D Zr:Fe2O3nanorod arrays were synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates by a two-step hydrothermal method. The photoelectrochemical results demonstrate that the current density (4.2 mA cm-2at 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl) recorded under illumination for the CdS/1 D Zr:Fe2O3photoanodes is 2.8 time higher than the bare 1 D Zr:Fe2O3. The extended absorbance spectrum, the reduced recombination, and the effective transport of photogenerated holes in CdS to the electrolyte facilitate enhancement in the photoelectrochemical performance. From X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and TEM observations of the bare and aluminum oxide-treated CdS/1 D Zr:Fe2O3photoanodes, we could confirm that the 1 D Zr:Fe2O3nanorods were covered by the CdS layer and Al2O3layer present on surface of CdS. Furthermore, the photocurrent and stability of the CdS/1 D Zr:Fe2O3nanorods was significantly enhanced by Al2O3compared to bare CdS/1 D Zr:Fe2O3heterojunction owing to its ability to act as an effective holetransport- as well as photocorrosion-protecting layer. These remarkable enhancements in light-energy harvesting, improvement in charge transport, and stability directly suggest the usefulness of photoanodes for solar hydrogen generation.
Division of Biotechnology, Safety, Environment and Life Science Institute, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, 570-752, Republic of Korea.
Mahadeo A
MA
Mahadik
Division of Biotechnology, Safety, Environment and Life Science Institute, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, 570-752, Republic of Korea.
Arunprabaharan
A
Subramanian
Analytical Research Division, Korea Basic Science Institute, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, 54907, Republic of Korea.
Hee-Suk
HS
Chung
Division of Biotechnology, Safety, Environment and Life Science Institute, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, 570-752, Republic of Korea.
Min
M
Cho
Division of Biotechnology, Safety, Environment and Life Science Institute, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, 570-752, Republic of Korea.
Jum Suk
JS
Jang
D000537:Aluminum Oxide; D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D055664:Electrochemical Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000737:chemistry*; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D012993:Solar Energy; D013440:Sulfides
D019187:Cadmium Compounds; D013440:Sulfides; C034939:cadmium sulfide; D006859:Hydrogen; D000537:Aluminum Oxide
hydrogen generation; nanorods; photoelectrochemistry; sensitizer; water splitting