Enhancement of photoelectrochemical response by Au modified in TiO_2 nanorods

摘要

We report on the design and synthesis of a novel Au/TiO_2/Au heterostructure and its implementation as a photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) application. The Au/TiO_2/Au heterostructure was produced by assembling Au nanoparticles and TiO_2 nanorods (NRs) onto FTO substrate, followed by electrodepositing Au nanoparticles on the TiO_2NRs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electrochemical methods were adopted to characterize the prepared photoanodes. Compared to the system involving Au nanoparticles directly linked to TiO_2, this Au/TiCVAu heterostructure exhibits significant improved photoresponse as a photoanode, as demonstrated good performance in PECs. This study illustrates the importance of pre-deposited Au underlayers in influencing PEC properties of hybrid assembled nano-structures. As the Au/TiO_2NRs/Au photoanodes are easily fabricated and highly stable, Au/TiO_2NRs/Au can serve as a good substitution for TiO_2 in a variety of solar energy driven applications including PEC water splitting, photocatalysis, and solar cells.