Abstract
We synthesized Ni/Si-codoped TiO2 nanostructures for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, by electrochemical anodization of Ti-1Ni-5Si alloy foils in ethylene glycol/glycerol solutions containing a small amount of water. The effects of annealing temperature on PEC properties of Ni/Si-codoped TiO2 photoanode were investigated. We found that the Ni/Si-codoped TiO2 photoanode annealed at 700 °C had an anatase-rutile mixed phase and exhibited the highest photocurrent density of 1.15 mA/cm2 at 0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), corresponding to a photoconversion efficiency of 0.70%, which was superior to Ni-doped and Si-doped TiO2. This improvement in PEC water splitting could be attributed to the extended light absorption, faster charge transfer, possibly lower charge recombination, and longer lifetime.
Highlights
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, as a clean and efficient approach for hydrogen production, has attracted extensive attention since Fujishima reported water splitting at TiO2 semiconductor photoelectrode [1,2]
We have reported the fabrication of Ni-doped TiO2 and Si-doped TiO2 [6,12,21], but few works have been reported on the fabrication of Ni/Si-codoped TiO2 and the relevant PEC properties
Ni/Si-codoped TiO2 thin films were synthesized by electrochemical anodization of the alloy samples
Summary
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, as a clean and efficient approach for hydrogen production, has attracted extensive attention since Fujishima reported water splitting at TiO2 semiconductor photoelectrode [1,2]. In order to solve the above problems, scientists have made continuous efforts to enhance visible-light absorption and/or facilitate the charge separation, like doping metal elements (Zr, Bi, Ru, Ni, etc.) [7,8,9,10,11], doping non-metallic elements (Si, N, P, etc.) [12,13,14], surface decoration [15], and sensitization with dye [16]. Among these methods, doping metal and/or non-metallic elements in
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