Fabrication of efficient CdS nanoflowers-decorated TiO2 nanotubes array heterojunction photoanode by a novel synthetic approach for solar hydrogen production. (14th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shinde, Pravin S.; Park, Jin Woo; Mahadik, Mahadeo A.; Ryu, Jungho; Park, Jung Hee; Yi, Young-Joo; Jang, Jum Suk
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 41:Number 46(2016)
• Page Start: 21078
• Page End: 21087
• Publication Date: 2016-12-14
• Subjects: CdS nanoflowers -- TiO2 nanotubes -- Anodization -- Hydrothermal -- Solar hydrogen production; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.08.205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: A nanocomposite heterojunction photoanode involving CdS nanoflowers (NFs) and one-dimensional TiO2 nanotube (NT) arrays was reported. The self-assembled TiO2 NT arrays were fabricated by an anodization method and the surface of TiO2 NT arrays was decorated with CdS NFs by employing hydrothermal method for the first time. The CdS NF morphology was optimized by controlling the hydrothermal reaction time from 0 to 72 h. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) study of the CdS-NF/TiO2 -NT photoanode revealed good coverage of hydrothermally grown CdS NFs on the surface of TiO2 NT arrays. The photoelectrochemical measurements were performed under 100 mW cm −2 illumination using polysulfide electrolyte. A 5.5-fold photocurrent enhancement was observed for the CdS-NF/TiO2 -NT array photoanode synthesized with a 48 h CdS hydrothermal reaction compared to a pristine TiO2 NT array film. Annealing of TiO2 NTs as well as CdS NFs led to further improvement in the photocurrent on account of greater crystallinity, significantly higher visible light photon absorption and improved interface properties between CdS and TiO2 . These findings were supported by optical absorption, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky analyses. Graphical abstract: Highlights: We report a nanocomposite heterojunction of CdS nanoflowers and 1D TiO2 NT arrays. Hydrothermal method was used for the first time to grow CdS nanoflowers on TNTs. CdS–TiO2 nanocomposite show 5.5-fold photocurrent for 48 h hydrothermal reaction. Advance was due to improved crystallinity, visible light absorption and interface.