3D nanoflower-structured TiO2 photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, 3-dimensional nanoflower structured TiO2 photoanodes were successfully grown onto tin oxide doped with fluorine substrates. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The 3-dimensional TiO2 nanoflowers presented improved photoelectrochemical performance compared with a TiO2 layer. Meanwhile, TiO2 nanoflowers with 2.5 h preparation time substantially increased the production of H2 compared with the TiO2 layer. The improved performance could be ascribed to the 3-dimensional nanoflower structure with many carriers and fast reaction kinetics, which enhanced light absorption and enlarged the contact area between the photoanode and electrolyte. Moreover, this nanoflower structure with trunks connected to the FTO substrate also improved the transfer of photogenerated carriers.