Enhanced photoelectrochemical conversion performance of ZnO quantum dots sensitized α-Fe2O3 thin films. (4th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ikram, Ashi; Sahai, Sonal; Rai, Snigdha; Dass, Sahab; Shrivastav, Rohit; Satsangi, Vibha R.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 40:Number 16(2015)
• Page Start: 5583
• Page End: 5592
• Publication Date: 2015-05-04
• Subjects: Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2015.02.118
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="abs0010"> <title id="sectitle0010">Abstract</title> <sec> <p id="abspara0010">ZnO quantum dots (QDs) sensitized electrodeposited α-Fe₂O₃ thin films have been investigated for their photoelectrochemical performance at various sensitization times. 24 h ZnO QDs sensitization in α-Fe₂O₃ thin film exhibited 5.5 fold enhancement in the photocurrent density. This sample shows the highest photocurrent density of 2.84 mA cm⁻² at 0.75 V/SCE electrode potential. XRD, HRTEM, EDX, FESEM, UV–visible spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky studies have also been carried out to examine the cause of the improved PEC response of sensitized samples of α-Fe₂O₃. Enhanced photocurrent exhibited by α-Fe₂O₃ thin film after ZnO QDs sensitization has been mainly attributed to efficient charge separation due to the presence of ZnO QDs and to the catalytic behavior of ZnO.</p> </sec> </abstract>