One-Dimensional Core/Shell Structured TiO₂/ZnO Heterojunction for Improved Photoelectrochemical Performance

Abstract

One-dimensional TiO 2 array grown on optically transparent electrode holds a promise as a photoelectrode for photoelectrochemical water splitting; however, its crystal structure is rutile, imposing constraints on the potent use of this nanostructure. To address this issue, a heterojunction with type-II band alignment was fabricated using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. One-dimensional core/shell structured TiO 2 /ZnO heterojunction was superior to TiO 2 in the photoelectrochemical water splitting because of better charge separation and more favorable Fermi level. The heterojunction also possesses better light scattering property, which turned out to be beneficial even for improving the photoelectrochemical performance of semiconductor-sensitized solar cell.

Structural and electrical properties of TiO2/ZnO core–shell nanoparticles synthesized by hydrothermal method

“…Moreover, optical properties of TiO 2 nanomaterials are very interesting. It is well known that the anatase-TiO 2 presents a higher bandgap value (3.2 eV) than the rutile-TiO 2 (3.0 eV) [11]. The band gap value of anatase-TiO 2 is almost similar to that of ZnO nanomaterials (3.3 eV) [6].…”

Improvement of the photocatalytic degradation property of atomic layer deposited ZnO thin films: the interplay between film properties and functional performances

“…The perfect conformality of coatings made by ALD opens new possibilities for the design of innovative photocatalysts. Systems like core/shell heterostructures composed of a nanoparticles of SnO 2 or TiO 2 , covered homogeneously by a ZnO film as a shell can then be accessible 23,24 . These heterostructures are particularly interesting for water photocatalytic cleaning applications.…”

A Study From Junk Market to the Production of 5.25 Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

“…Photovoltaic properties of DSSC constructed with ITO/TiO2/ZnO/N719 photoanode and Pt/ITO CE were investigated under solar simulator with AM1.5G simulated solar radiation. The layers and band alignment (Ji et al, 2012) with the movement of electrons as a result of photon absorption is shown in Fig. 4a and constructed solar cell's real color image is seen in Fig.…”