Facile fabrication of transparent SnO2 nanorod array and their photoelectrochemical properties

In this study, high-density transparent tin dioxide (SnO2) nanorod array was prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate by thermal evaporation of a mixture of SnCl2·2H2O and anhydrous ZnCl2 powders at 600 °C in air atmosphere. The structural properties of the sample were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Further investigation revealed that ZnCl2 played an important role in the formation of high transparent SnO2 nanorod array. CdS film was deposited on SnO2 nanorod array by the CBD method to form SnO2/CdS heterostructure film. Photoelectrochemical measurements indicated that the novel SnO2/CdS photoelectrode had a potential application in photovoltaic devices.

► High-density transparent SnO2 nanorod array was prepared by the evaporation method. ► The experiment is simple, low cost, and has well repeatability. ► The heterojunction of CdS and SnO2 displayed preferable PEC property.