Enhanced photoactivity and conductivity in transparent TiO2 nanocrystals/graphene hybrid anodes12. Issue 19 (2nd May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ingrosso, C.; Bianco, G. V.; Pifferi, V.; Guffanti, P.; Petronella, F.; Comparelli, R.; Agostiano, A.; Striccoli, M.; Palchetti, I.; Falciola, L.; Curri, M. L.; Bruno, G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 5:Issue 19(2017)
• Page Start: 9307
• Page End: 9315
• Publication Date: 2017-05-02
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c7ta01425b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : An optically transparent and UV-light active anode, characterized by high (photo)conductivity, charge mobility and exciton lifetime, based on CVD graphene, decorated with colloidal TiO2 nanocrystals, has been fabricated, by a solution-based procedure. Abstract : An optically transparent and UV-light active anode, characterized by high (photo)conductivity, charge mobility and exciton lifetime, based on graphene, grown by CVD, decorated with colloidal TiO2 nanocrystals (NCs), has been fabricated, by a direct and facile solution-based procedure. TiO2 NCs anchor onto graphene by means of π–π stacking interactions occurring between the pyrene-1-butyric acid (PBA) surface coating ligand and the 2-D platform and assemble in a highly interconnected multilayered layout, by means of interligand π–π forces, retaining composition and geometry, along with the graphene structure. Remarkably, the PBA-coated TiO2 NCs on the graphene increase its electrical conductivity, electroactivity, and capacitive behavior, as well as photoelectrical response under UV-light, resulting in a 50% enhanced photoelectroactivity and a long exciton recombination lifetime. The photoanodes can be integrated into solar cells as optically transparent electrodes, in photodetectors, FETs and (bio)sensors.