3D ordered urchin-like TiO_2@Fe_2O_3 arrays photoanode for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting

摘要

In this work, we report a three-dimensional ordered urchin-likeTiO(2)@Fe2O3 arrays as photoanode for photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting application by a combination of colloid spheres template, atomic layer deposition and hydrothermal growth route. Combined with a further TiO2 surface passivation and decoration of water oxidation catalyst of cobalt phosphate (Co-Pi), the urchin-like TiO2@Fe2O3/TiO2/Co-Pi composite photoanode yields significantly improved PEC performance with an impressive photocurrent density of 1.58 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V vs. RHE and 3.6 mA cm(-2) at 1.6 V vs. RHE, respectively. The significantly enhanced performance could be attributed to the 3D ordered composite structure design that provides large specific area and fast electron transport paths as well as improves the charge separation efficiency and water oxidation kinetics.