TiO2 nanostructures for photoelectrochemical cells (PECs)

• 1D and 3D nanostructures were obtained by oxidation processes of titanium foils.
• The influence of methods of the oxidation on the morphology of TiO2 were studied.
• Correlation between parameters of the semiconductor-electrolyte interface and photocurrent was established.
• 3D nanomaterials are promising candidate for photoanode in PEC.

TiO2 nanostructures were grown by oxidizing titanium foil. 1D nanomaterials were obtained via anodization in an electrolyte containing 1 wt% NH4F, ethylene glycol and 2 wt% H2O. Flower-like titanium dioxide (3D) was fabricated using chemical oxidation in a 30% H2O2 solution at moderate temperature. XRD analysis revealed a mixture of anatase and a smaller amount of rutile TiO2. The shape of photocurrent-voltage characteristics recorded in a photoelectrochemical cell (PEC) was found to be affected by the type of nanostructure. It was shown that 3D interconnected architecture improved photoelectrochemical performance.

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