Solution-growth and optoelectronic properties of ZnO:Cl@ZnS core–shell nanowires with tunable shell thickness

Arrays of vertically aligned ZnO:Cl@ZnS core–shell nanowires (NWs) were grown by a facile low-cost, high-yield and seed-free two-step process. These NWs were used to demonstrate the potential of 3D electrodes based on core–shell heterostructures to enhance charge carrier separation and transfer. With this goal in mind, the photocurrent density of ZnO:Cl@ZnS NWs was characterized as a function of the shell thickness. Although no significant variations in the absorption and photoluminescence spectra were found with the presence of the shell, the photocurrent measured from the core–shell NWs was highly enhanced with respect to bare ZnO:Cl NWs. These photocurrent variations are associated with the control of the band bending in the core–shell NW surface, which modifies the efficiency of charge carrier transfer between the NW and the electrolyte.

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► Arrays of vertically aligned ZnO:Cl@ZnS core–shell nanowires were grown.
► Absorption and photoluminescence spectra were detected with the presence of the ZnS shell.
► The photocurrent density of ZnO:Cl@ZnS NWs was characterized as a function of the shell thickness.
► These photocurrent variations are associated with the control of the band bending in the core–shell NW surface.