Enhanced carrier collection efficiency in hierarchical nano-electrode for a high-performance photoelectrochemical cell

The photoelectrochemical properties of CdS-sensitized ZnO nanorods grown on Pt-coated WO3 nanoplates are investigated to evaluate their effectiveness in hydrogen production. WO3 nanonanoplates are synthesized on glass substrates, followed by atomic layer deposition of Pt thin films as the terminal electrode to efficiently collect the photo-carriers generated from the ZnO/CdS absorption layers. Optimization of the fabrication process for the 3D hierarchical structure is performed, and the morphology and its effect on the photoelectrochemical performance of the electrodes are carefully studied using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and measurements of the photocurrent density and photo-conversion efficiencies. The enhanced PEC performance is elucidated by the 3D hierarchical geometry of the electrode. The optimized electrode shows a photocurrent density of ∼ 13 mA cm−2 and a conversion efficiency of ∼8.0% at −0.83 V (vs. SCE) in 0.5 M Na2S solution under the illumination of simulated solar light.