Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of TiO2 photoanode decorated with Pd-carbon core shell nanoparticles. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, Rishabh; Kodan, Nisha; Singh, Vinod; Sharma, Shailesh Narayan; Sinha, Om Prakash
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 134(2019)
• Page Start: 1232
• Page End: 1239
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Photoelectrochemical -- Surface plasmon resonance -- Pd nanoparticles -- Core-shell; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2018.09.061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, we report enhancement in photoelectrochemical performance of TiO2 photo-anode on coating it with Palladium carbon (Pd-C) core shell nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed formation of Pd nanoparticle and Pd-C nanoparticles with Pd core surrounded by carbon shell. X-Ray Diffraction analysis confirmed the pure anatase phase of synthesized TiO2 films. Raman spectroscopy revealed graphitic nature of carbon in Pd-C. In comparison to pristine TiO2, quenching in PL intensity of Pd-TiO2 & Pd-C-TiO2 sample was observed which indicates lowering of recombination rate of charge carriers, this effect is explained through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in Pd and Pd-C nanoparticles. Also, SPR in Pd & Pd-C promoted absorption of photons in visible region thus making both Pd-C-TiO2 & Pd-TiO2 active in visible region. Finally, graphitic carbon layer over Pd in Pd-C-TiO2 offered an additional advantage over bare Pd in Pd-TiO2 i.e. reducing the charge transfer resistance between electrode and electrolyte under illumination. Graphical abstract: Highlights: TiO2 thin films on silicon substrate were synthesized by sol-gel technique followed by spin coating and thermal decomposition. Size selected Pd and Pd-Carbon core shell nanoparticles were synthesized and were directly deposited on TiO2 thin films. Transmission electron micrographs confirmed the formation of Pd and Pd–Carbon core-shell nanoparticles. Prepared TiO2, Pd-TiO2 & Pd-C-TiO2 samples were characterized to study their crystallographic and optical properties. Finally, all the samples were tested for Photoelectrochemical performance.