Photoelectrochemical performance of CdS nanorods grafted vertically aligned TiO2 nanorods

• TiO2 nanorods/CdS nanorods composite samples were successfully achieved.
• The photocurrent density increased by 100 percent compared with pure TiO2.
• Photocurrent density increase mechanism of this photoanode was also forecasted.

In this study, TiO2 nanorods/CdS nanorods composite samples were successfully synthesized by grafting CdS nanorods on vertically aligned TiO2 nanorods. A two-step hydrothermal method was used to prepare the samples. Some properties of the samples, such as morphological, structural, and optical properties were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray detection, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. Moreover, photoelectrochemical properties were studied via current-voltage and photocurrent spectrum measurements. The results showed that CdS nanorods grafted on top of TiO2 nanorods like a lawn. The amount grafted as well as the diameter and crystallinity of CdS nanorods increased first and then decreased as the grafting time increased, due to Ostwald ripening. Under the back-side illumination, the composite film with 2 h grafting time exhibited the highest photocurrent density which was almost twice of that of the pure TiO2 nanorods.

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