Heterostructured Ternary In2O3−Ag−TiO2 Nanotube Arrays for Simulated Sunlight‐Driven Photoelectrocatalytic Hydrogen Generation. Issue 3 (9th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Zeyang; Fu, Jiangjian; Cai, Jingsheng; Lin, Sheng; Chen, Yinhuan; Sun, Lan; Lai, Yuekun; Hu, Yanling; Shen, Fei; Lin, Changjian
• Is Part Of: ChemElectroChem. Volume 8:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 577
• Page End: 584
• Publication Date: 2021-02-09
• Subjects: TiO2 nanotube arrays -- Ag nanoparticles -- In2O3 nanoparticles -- photoelectrocatalysis -- hydrogen production; Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 541.37
• DOI: 10.1002/celc.202001489
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-0216

Abstract

Abstract: The ternary In2 O3 −Ag−TiO2 composites based on anatase TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) were synthesized to extend the light responsive region, enhance the visible light absorption, reduce the recombination rate of charge carriers and promote the efficiency of water splitting for H2 evolution. Highly ordered TNTs were first prepared by electrochemical anodization of Ti sheets. Ag nanoparticles with a diameter of about 20 nm were then uniformly deposited inside and on the orifice of the TNTs. In2 O3 nanoparticles synthesized through a solvent‐thermal method were subsequently modified on the Ag−TNTs using an ultrasound‐assisted electrophoresis method. In2 O3 −Ag−TNTs composites exhibited enhanced visible light absorption and photocurrent when compared to binary Ag−TNTs and In2 O3 −TNTs. As a result, the optimal hydrogen generation rate using the In2 O3 −Ag−TNTs composite under visible light irradiation was 1.92 μmol cm −2 h −1, 5 times higher than that of the pure TNTs. Abstract : Lights, camera, action ! In2 O3 −Ag−TNTs are synthesized by combining an ultrasound‐assisted electrophoresis method with a solvent‐thermal method. Compared to TNTs, Ag−TNTs, and In2 O3 −TNTs, In2 O3 −Ag−TNTs displayed enhanced photoelectrochemical response and photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen production activity. The hydrogen generation rate using the In2 O3 −Ag−TNTs composite under visible light irradiation was 5 times higher than that of pure TNTs.