PlasmonicAu‐TiO2/ZnOCore–Shell Nanorod Array Photoanode for Visible‐Light‐Driven Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting. Issue 9 (29th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hu, Sujuan; Wang, Baoling; Zhu, Mingshan; Ma, Yinhai; Wang, Jiao
• Is Part Of: Energy technology. Volume 5:Issue 9(2017:Sep.)
• Page Start: 1599
• Page End: 1605
• Publication Date: 2017-05-29
• Subjects: electrochemistry -- gold -- photochemistry -- surface plasmon resonance -- water splitting; Energy development -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; 333.79
• DOI: 10.1002/ente.201700001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2194-4288

Abstract

Abstract: A plasmonic Au‐TiO2 /ZnO core–shell nanorod array (NR) photoanode exhibits efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting induced by the plasmonic energy and type II TiO2 /ZnO heterojunction. The plasmonic Au‐TiO2 /ZnO core–shell NR photoanode provides a photocurrent density of 3.01 mA cm −2 at 1.7 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), almost 1.5 and 3 times higher than that of TiO2 /ZnO core–shell NRs and TiO2 NRs upon exposure into simulated solar light. Moreover, the plasmonic Au‐TiO2 /ZnO core–shell NR photoanode shows a clear photocurrent density under visible‐light irradiation ( λ >400 nm) with a photocurrent density of 0.11 mA cm −2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE. The visible‐light‐excited photocurrent is mainly caused by the surface plasmon resonance effects produced by plasmonic Au nanoparticles, which benefit the visible‐light absorption and charge separation of the wide‐band‐gap TiO2 /ZnO heterojunction through the electrons and resonant energy transfer. Additionally, the strong interfacial interaction between TiO2 and ZnO leads to an effective photoinduced interfacial charge separation and transfer. Abstract : Let's split ! A plasmonic Au‐TiO2 /ZnO core–shell nanorod array (NR) photoanode enhances photoelectrochemical water splitting because of the surface plasmon resonance effects produced by the plasmonic Au nanoparticles and charge separation in the TiO2 /ZnO heterojunction.