Novel dual-layer photoelectrode prepared by RF magnetron sputtering for photocatalytic water splitting
Journal
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
Journal Volume
37
Journal Issue
16
Pages
11632-11639
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Abstract
Visible-light absorbing TiO 2 and WO 3 photocatalytic thin films were prepared by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering. The effects of sputtering condition on the structural, optical, as well as photocatalytic properties of the prepared thin films were explored. In addition, a novel dual-layer photocatalytic thin film that combines both visible-light TiO 2 and WO 3 was prepared by the same deposition technique to further enhance the photocatalytic performance. Instrumental analyses such as XRD, SEM-EDX, and UV-visible absorption spectrometry were performed to reveal the crystallinity, surface morphology, chemical composition, and light absorption of the prepared photocatalytic thin films. The activities of the prepared photocatalytic thin films under both UV and visible-light irradiations were evaluated by conducting photovoltammetry and water-splitting reaction in an H-type reactor. The enhanced photocurrent of dual-layer photocatalytic thin film was proved to be resulted from the improved charge separation of the dual-layer structure. The H 2 and O 2 yields obtained from the water-splitting reactions were consistent with the photocurrent results, showing dual-layer photocatalyst with higher photoactivity than mono-layer photocatalyst. ©, 2012 Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Subjects
Photocatalytic water splitting; Solar hydrogen; Sputtering deposition; Visible-light photocatalyst
SDGs
Other Subjects
Charge separations; Chemical compositions; Crystallinities; Deposition technique; Dual layer; Dual layer structure; Instrumental analysis; Photoactivity; Photocatalytic performance; Photocatalytic property; Photocatalytic thin films; Photocatalytic water splitting; Photoelectrode; Radio frequency magnetron sputtering; rf-Magnetron sputtering; SEM-EDX; Solar hydrogen; Sputtering conditions; Sputtering deposition; TiO; UV- and; UV-visible Absorption spectrometry; Visible light; Visible-light irradiation; Visible-light photocatalysts; Water splitting; XRD; Absorption spectroscopy; Deposition; Hydrogen; Magnetron sputtering; Photocatalysis; Solar power generation; Thin films; Titanium dioxide; Vapor deposition; Film preparation
Type
journal article