ZnO nano-tetrapod photoanodes for enhanced solar-driven water splitting

► The reaction time is a critical factor in the synthesis of tetrapod nanostructures. ► PL spectra showed both NBE and DLE peaks. ► XRD an Raman spectra confirm the high crystallinity of the tetrapods. ► The 90 min-treated sample gave 0.4 mA/cm2 under AM 1.5G illumination. ► The tetrapod electrodes are exceptionally stable under illumination.