Abstract
An inorganic/organic/interface (IOI) consisting of CdS/poly ethyl aniline (PEA) assemblies was subjected to photoelectrochemical studies in nanoparticle suspensions and in thin solid film forms . The effects that PEA modifiers have on the photoelectrochemical behavior of the IOI were investigated using [Fe(CN)6]4-as a photoactive hydrated electron donor agent. Results show that the adsorption process of [Fe(CN)6]3- (the photolysis product) controls the photoactivity outcome of IOI assemblies. CdS/PEA shows lower heterogeneous photochemical response than native CdS. Native CdS amorphous nanoparticles adsorb more [Fe(CN)6]3- with a very steady adsorption/desorption process than the CdS/PEA. The interface activities were explained by analyzing the IOI junction’s properties such as electron affinity, work function and hole/electrons barrier heights. The lower hole barrier height versus electron barrier height suggests that charge injection is mediated at the IOI interface through hole transfer. The aqueous nano systems retained moderate stability as indicated by the reproducibility of their photocatalytic activities. Both [Fe(CN)6]4- and PEA contributed to the stability of native CdS surfaces.
Highlights
An inorganic/organic/interface (IOI) consisting of CdS/poly ethyl aniline (PEA) assemblies was subjected to photoelectrochemical studies in nanoparticle suspensions and in thin solid film forms
Assemblies consisting of inorganic-organic interfaces (IOI) and organic-inorganic interfaces (OII) that have high photoconversion efficiency and are resistant to photocorrosion resistance have been the focus of attention of several investigations in the field of solar energy
We investigate the effects of Poly ethyl aniline as surface modifiers on the activities of CdS nanoparticles during the photolysis of their aqueous suspensions for hydrogen production
Summary
Assemblies consisting of inorganic-organic interfaces (IOI) and organic-inorganic interfaces (OII) that have high photoconversion efficiency and are resistant to photocorrosion resistance have been the focus of attention of several investigations in the field of solar energy. Other examples include metal chalcogenides modified with polyaniline, polypayrol, or other organic semiconductors to name but a few were studied (Kasem, Menges, & Jones, 2009; Zhang et al, 2008; Graetzel, 2001; Kasem & Davis, 2008; Kohtani, Kudo, & Sakata, 1993; Vogel, Hoyer, & Weller, 1994; Plass et al, 2002; Peter et al, 2003; Liu & Kamat, 1993) In these studies low conversion efficiencies were reported.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
