Enhanced photocurrent generation from indium–tin-oxide/Fe2TiO5 hybrid nanocone arrays. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Kai; Dao, Thang Duy; Ngo, Thien Duc; Ngo, Hai Dang; Tamanai, Akemi; Ishii, Satoshi; Li, Xiangping; Misawa, Hiroaki; Nagao, Tadaaki
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 76(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Mie resonance -- Photocatalysis -- Iron titanate (Fe2TiO5) -- Photocurrent -- Nanocone; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.104965
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Semiconductor oxide materials, including α-Fe2 O3 (hematite), have been investigated as possible candidates for large-scale solar-to-chemical energy conversion. However, many of these materials suffer from inefficient charge transport leading to undesirable charge recombination. Although plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis has achieved some success in enhancing light absorption and hot carrier generation, the intrinsic ohmic losses within the metal hinder its wide applications. Here, we use large-area indium-tin-oxide (ITO) nanocone arrays that exhibit both high electrical transport, strong light trapping and enlarged surface area with reduced ohmic losses. We further adopted sputtered iron titanate (Fe2 TiO5 ) thin films that show better photocatalytic performance than hematite. The photoanode made of all-oxide ITO/Fe2 TiO5 nanocone array exhibited Mie resonance-enhanced photocurrent generation up to 31 times. These ITO nanocones can be readily combined with other oxide materials providing great opportunities for efficient photon management in enhanced photocatalysis. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: We propose all-oxide photonic nanocone arrays for efficient solar light harvesting platforms with iron-based oxides and ITO. We studied the deposition of pseudobrookite Fe2 TiO5 thin films made by sputtering, which offers large-scale deposition and better quality control. Mie resonances of the ITO/Fe2 TiO5 hybrid nanocones lead to significantly enhanced photocurrent generation to 31 times.