Vertically aligned TiO2/(CdS, CdTe, CdSTe) core/shell nanowire array for photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

Type-II TiO2/CdS, TiO2/CdTe and TiO2/CdSTe heterostructured core/shell nanowire arrays (NWAs) on FTO substrates are synthesized via physical vapor deposition of CdS, CdTe and the alloyed CdSTe layer onto the hydrothermally pre-grown TiO2 NWAs. Their morphologies, microstructures, and optical properties are characterized in detail. As photoanodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation, the ternary CdSTe alloy sensitized TiO2 NWAs exhibits a photocurrent density of 4.52 mA cm−2 under 1 sun illumination at 0.4261 V vs. RHE, much higher than that of the TiO2/CdS (2.97 mA cm−2) and TiO2/CdTe (0.46 mA cm−2) electrodes. This highest photocurrent density level of the alloy TiO2/CdSTe electrode is attributed to the broadened light absorption range and enhanced charge separation efficiency according to the optical and electrochemical impedance spectra investigation. Our result implies a promising application of CdSTe sensitized TiO2 photoelectrode in PEC cell and other photoelectronic devices.