Issue 62, 2016, Issue in Progress

Heterojunction Cr2O3/CuO:Ni photocathodes for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance

Abstract

Heterojunction p-type photoelectrodes consisting of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) and copper oxide (CuO)-doped nickel (Ni) were prepared using aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) and spin-coating. All samples were photoresponsive and showed a photocathodic current in 0.5 M Na2SO4 under simulated solar illumination. The photocathode with an optimal composition of 3 layers of CuO and 0.5% Ni showed an enhanced photoactivity relative to bare Cr2O3. Based on the optical characterization and the flatband potential calculation, the fabricated Cr2O3, Cr2O3/CuO and Cr2O3/CuO:Ni can absorb visible light, which enables the water reduction reaction. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the charge transfer resistance of Cr2O3/CuO:Ni was decreased. Thus, in the heterojunction structure, the photogenerated electrons in Cr2O3 were transferred to the CuO:Ni layer, which then contributes to a high photoactivity. The combined advantages of the two strategies (heterojunction and doping) provide favourable charge transport characteristics of the materials.

Graphical abstract: Heterojunction Cr2O3/CuO:Ni photocathodes for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
12 Feb 2016
Accepted
14 May 2016
First published
03 Jun 2016

RSC Adv., 2016,6, 56885-56891

Author version available

Heterojunction Cr2O3/CuO:Ni photocathodes for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance

S. N. F. Mohd Nasir, M. K. N. Yahya, N. W. Mohamad Sapian, N. Ahmad Ludin, M. A. Ibrahim, K. Sopian and M. A. Mat Teridi, RSC Adv., 2016, 6, 56885 DOI: 10.1039/C6RA03904A

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