| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45882 | Applied Catalysis B: Environmental | 2014 | 5 Pages |
•We synthesized branched TiO2 NRs owning the surface anatase/rutile junctions.•The flower-like branched TiO2 NRs showed excellent PEC performance response.•The surface anatase/rutile junctions formed on the boundary of branches and trunks improved the PEC performance.
Flower-like branched TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRs) owning the surface anatase/rutile junctions on FTO substrates with operational diameter were successfully fabricated by a modified hydrothermal method. Transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction revealed a unique flower-like ranched morphology, surface features, a crystal phase, and lattice constant of TiO2. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) measurements showed excellent photocatalytic properties of the flower-like branched TiO2 NRs. The surface phase formed between anatase and rutile TiO2 NRs which efficiently enhances the separation of photo-generated electron–hole pairs and accelerates the transport of charges is the key influence factor. The results suggest that the branched TiO2 NRs owning the surface anatase/rutile junctions are very promising platform to make highly efficient photoanodes for energy devices.
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