Gap Semiconductor Research Articles

Electronic Structure Of Cobalt Phosphates Co1-xmxpo4 Doped With Iron And Nickel Atoms

In this research, the electronic states, band structures, and bond properties of the framework compounds of CoPO4, Co1-xFexPO4, and Co1–xNixPO4 were investigated by the density functional theory calculations. The potential capabilities of these systems in the photocatalytic water splitting to produce hydrogen were analyzed. The spin-up electron densities of states for the CoPO4, Co1–xFexPO4, and Co1–xNixPO4 systems have band gaps of 2.7, 3.4, and 3.45 eV, respectively. The band of spin-down electron states has several energy gaps above the Fermi level. The density of states of electron with spin up near the Fermi level is obviously greater than that of electrons with spin down. In this case, localized states of electrons appear in the band gap of doped semiconductors due to impurity atoms. The calculated value of the energy at the lower edge of the conduction band for CoPO4 was –0.7 eV, which is more negative than the energy required for water splitting. Meanwhile, the calculated value of the energy at the upper edge of the valence band was 2.01 eV, which is more positive than the oxygen evolution energy of 1.23 eV.

First-principles investigation of electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of FeMnSb/GaZ (Z = As or P) interfaces

We systematically investigated the electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of the FeMnSb half-Heusler alloy, its (001) surface, and its interfaces with GaAs and GaP semiconductors by using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The bulk FeMnSb reveals its half-metallic ferrimagnetism with 100% spin-polarization. Extending this study to the (001) surface, we uncover distinct electronic and magnetic behaviors for Fe- and MnSb-terminated surfaces, the MnSb-terminated surface preserving the half-metallicity observed in the bulk material. Our evaluation of the interfaces exhibits positive work of separation, indicating that these interfaces are energetically favorable. The density of states analysis reveals that all interfaces exhibit a metallic nature. High spin-polarization values, particularly 97.316% for the Fe-Ga interface, suggest a substantial degree of spin-polarized current. Notably, the absorption coefficient peaks shift from the ultraviolet (UV) region in the bulk alloy to the visible region at the (001) surfaces. However, at the FeMnSb/GaAs and FeMnSb/GaP interfaces, the highest absorption peaks revert to the UV region, highlighting strong interfacial coupling effects. These results suggest the tunability of FeMnSb optical properties via surface termination and interface engineering, making it a promising candidate for spintronic and optoelectronic applications.

Zeolite-decorated black TiOx quantum dots for photocatalytic degradation of organic cationic dyes under LED light irradiation

Defect engineering is a promising strategy to reduce the band gap of semiconductors, enhancing their photocatalytic activity under visible light by introducing intra-bandgap energy states. Among the materials studied, oxygen-deficient black TiOx stands out due to its potential in photocatalytic reduction and hydrogen evolution. However, the valence band edge maximum (VBM) of TiOx is not thermodynamically favorable for the direct oxidation of water to hydroxyl radicals (H2O/•OH). Although the formation of extensive oxygen vacancies is necessary to extend the light absorption of black TiOx to longer wavelengths, a high density of oxygen vacancies (Ov) significantly shortens the diffusion length of charge carriers within the TiOx, leading to increased recombination of electrons and holes (e-/h+), thereby suppressing photocatalytic activity. To overcome these limitations, confining TiOx particles to the quantum dot (QD) size range and constructing heterojunctions with a secondary phase can substantially improve charge carrier separation and photocatalytic performance. In addition to engineering the electronic structure of composite photocatalysts, the preaccumulation of pollutants and their subsequent degradation is an effective strategy. This method decreases the distance between the adsorbed pollutant and the active sites for reactive oxygen species (ROSs) generation, enhancing the efficiency of the photocatalytic degradation process. In this study, we confined TiOx particles to the quantum dot size range by constructing a heterojunction with H-Beta zeolite, which contains defect-induced energy states within its wide band gap. This type of zeolite is particularly effective in adsorbing cationic azo dyes, facilitating pre-accumulation and degradation. The synthesized catalysts were extensively characterized using HRTEM to determine the average size of the TiOx particles and photoluminescence (PL) analysis to investigate charge carrier separation. Our results demonstrated that while TiOx alone showed negligible degradation efficiency, and no •OH were detected, the QD TiOx/Z4 composite achieved complete oxidation of CV by •OH, as confirmed by TOC analysis. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism was proposed based on these experimental findings. These insights could be of significant interest to researchers exploring defective semiconductors for photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants in the liquid phase under visible light (LED) irradiation.

Composition-Regulated Photocatalytic Activity of ZnIn2S4@CdS Hybrids for Efficient Dye Degradation and H2O2 Evolution.

Heterostructures of visible light-absorbing semiconductors were prepared through the growth of ZnIn2S4 crystallites in the presence of CdS nanostructures. A variety of hybrid compositions was synthesized. Both reference samples and heterostructured materials were characterized in detail, regarding their morphology, crystalline character, chemical speciation, as well as vibrational properties. The abovementioned physicochemical characterization suggested the absence of doping phenomena, such as the integration of either zinc or indium ions into the CdS lattice. At specific compositions, the growth of the amorphous ZnIn2S4 component was observed through both XRD and Raman analysis. The development of heterojunctions was found to be composition-dependent, as indicated by the simultaneous recording of the Raman profiles of both semiconductors. The optical band gaps of the hybrids range at values between the corresponding band gaps of reference semiconductors. The photocatalytic activity was assessed in both organic dye degradation and hydrogen peroxide evolution. It was observed that the hybrids demonstrating efficient photocatalytic activity in dye degradation were rather poor photocatalysts for hydrogen peroxide evolution. Specifically, the hybrids enriched in the CdS component were shown to act efficiently for hydrogen peroxide evolution, whereas ZnIn2S4-enriched hybrids demonstrated high potential to photodegrade an azo-type organic dye. Furthermore, scavenging experiments suggested the involvement of singlet oxygen in the mechanistic path for dye degradation.

Large Area Film of Highly Crystalline, Cleavable, and Transferable Semi-Conducting 2D-Imine Covalent Organic Framework on Dielectric Glass Substrate.

Two dimensional (2D) imine-based covalent organic framework (COF), 2D-COF, is a newly emerging molecular 2D polymer with potential applications in thin film electronics, sensing, and catalysis. It is considered an ideal candidate due to its robust 2D nature and precise tunability of the electronic and functional properties. Herein, we report a scalable facile synthesis of 2D imine-COF with control over film thickness (ranging from 100 nm to a few monolayers) and film dimension reaching up to 2 cm on a dielectric (glass) substrate. Highly crystalline 2D imine polymer films are formed by maintaining a quasi-equilibrium (very slow, ∼15 h) in Schiff base condensation reaction between p-phenylenediamine (PDA) and benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxaldehyde (TCA) molecules. Free-standing thin and ultrathin films of imine-COF are obtained using sonication exfoliation of 2D-COF polymer. Insights into the microstructure of thin/ultrathin imine-COF are obtained using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), which shows high crystallinity and 2D layered structure in both thin and ultrathin films. The chemical nature of the 2D polymer was established using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Optical band gap measurements also reveal a semiconducting gap. This is further established by electronic structure calculation using density functional theory (DFT), which reveals a semiconductor-like band structure with strong dispersion in bands near conduction and valence band edges. The structural characteristics (layered morphology and microscopic structure) of 2D imine-COF show significant potential for its application in thin film device fabrication. In addition, the electronic structure shows strong dispersion in the frontier bands, making it a potential semiconducting material for charge carrier transportation in electronic devices.

Machine Learning‐Enhanced Prediction of Inorganic Semiconductor Bandgaps for Advancing Optoelectronic Technologies

AbstractA pivotal challenge in advancing inorganics optoelectronic technologies, is the precise characterization of materials' electronic attributes, with the bandgap being a critical property. Conventional approaches, heavily reliant on time‐intensive and financially demanding experimental and computational methods, such as density functional theory (DFT) calculations, face limitations due to inherent estimation errors. Machine learning methodologies are developed for the prediction of bandgaps of inorganic semiconductors but most of them are employed for datasets created by DFT calculations, hence limiting their performance. Addressing this, the study leverages machine learning methodologies, harnessing both compositional and structural features, to predict the band gaps of inorganic semiconductors with enhanced accuracy. This advancement is reinforced by the employment of an experimental bandgap dataset, which, when integrated with structural descriptors obtained from the Materials Project, significantly improves prediction capabilities. This is evidenced by the model's exceptional performance across two distinct benchmark datasets. Furthermore, the model's adeptness in predicting formation energies underscores its versatility and applicability to a broad spectrum of electronic properties. These findings suggest that the predictive accuracy of this model can be further augmented through the inclusion of additional experimental bandgap measurements and the refinement of structural descriptors. This approach offers a promising and efficient alternative to traditional methodologies, potentially accelerating the development of optoelectronic technologies.

Band Gap Engineering of MoxW1-xS2 Alloy Monolayers with Wafer-Scale Uniformity.

Modulating the band gap of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) semiconductors is critical for their application in a wider spectral range. Alloying has been demonstrated as an effective method for regulating the band gap of 2D TMDC semiconductors. The fabrication of large-area 2D TMDC alloy films with centimeter-scale uniformity is fundamental to the application of integrated devices. Herein, we report a liquid-phase precursor one-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method for fabricating a MoxW1-xS2 alloy monolayer with a large size and an adjustable band gap. Good crystalline quality and high uniformity on a wafer scale enable the continuous adjustment of its band gap in the range of 1.8-2.0 eV. Density functional theory calculations provided a deep understanding of the Raman-active vibration modes of the MoxW1-xS2 alloy monolayer and the change in the conductivity of the alloy with photon energy. The synthesis of large-area MoxW1-xS2 alloy monolayers is a critical step toward the application of 2D layered semiconductors in practical optoelectronic devices.

Indirect control of band gaps by manipulating local atomic environments using solid solutions and co-doping

The ability to tune band gaps of semiconductors is important for many optoelectronics applications including photocatalysis. A common approach to this is doping, but this often has the disadvantage of introducing defect states in the electronic structure that can result in poor charge mobility and increased recombination losses. In this work, density functional theory calculations are used to understand how co-doping and solid solution formation can allow tuning of semiconductor band gaps through indirect effects. The addition of ZnS to GaP alters the local environments of the Ga and P atoms, resulting in shifts in the energies of the P and Ga states that form the valence and conduction band edges, and hence changes the band gap without altering which atoms form the band edges, providing an explanation for previous experimental observations. Similarly, N doping of ZnO is known from previous experimental work to reduce the band gap and increase visible-light absorption; here we show that, when co-doped with Al, the Al changes the local environment of the N atoms, providing further control of the band gap without introducing new states within the band gap or at the band edges, while also providing an energetically more favourable state than N-doped ZnO. Replacing Al with elements of different electronegativity is an additional tool for band gap tuning, since the different electronegativities correspond to different effects on the N local environment. The consistency in the parameters identified here that control the band gaps across the various systems studied indicates some general concepts that can be applied in tuning the band gaps of semiconductors, without or only minimally affecting charge mobility.

What's behind their various activities? Discerning the importance of surface terminations in Ag3PO4 semiconductor from DFT calculations

The surface energy and band gap of inorganic semiconductors are essential properties for a wide variety of applications in materials science, and studying morphologies holds significant importance. However, it is challenging to find a correlation between them at the atomic scale when these materials are multifunctional. This motivates the development of predictive computational models that can optimize these materials based on these quantities. Present findings shed light on the structure and electronic properties of (100), (110), and (111) surfaces of Ag3PO4 by using density functional theory calculations. By introducing two concepts, namely, polyhedron energy and polyhedron band gap, we provide compelling evidence for the effects of surface termination of Ag3PO4 photocatalyst. We compare our predictions to experimental crystal habits, and our results not only allow us to explain their evolution for obtaining a given morphology but also offer a coherent explanation, based on atomic-scale insights, for the discrepancies of morphology-photocatalytic activity relationship of Ag3PO4 in the recent literature. Overall, this work opens a novel avenue for first-principles calculations of morphology and provides a roadmap for the design of more effective inorganic semiconductors with desirable physicochemical properties for potential applications.

Theoretical exploration of band gap error dependency on band gap size in density functional theory Calculations: CdTe and GeTe as representative cases of two band structure semiconductor types

This study addresses the prevalent band gap error problem in density functional theory (DFT) with local density or generalized gradient approximation (LDA/GGA), widely considered as the “standard model” for investigating the band structure of semiconductors. Despite previous DFT efforts focusing on improving the exchange correlation energy to mitigate the underestimation of the band gap, the correlation between the band gap error and the intrinsic electronic structure of semiconductors has been overlooked. From two principal observations: (i) traditional semiconductors typically have a p-s type band structure, and (ii) a smaller band gap is linked to less underestimation, we derive two crucial questions: (i) How is band gap error manifested in s-p type semiconductors? (ii) Does the error vanish as the band gap approaches zero, akin to metals? Through the examination of CdTe and GeTe, representing p–s and s–p type semiconductors with strain-engineered band gaps, our calculations indicate that for CdTe, the band gap is underestimated, whereas for GeTe, it is overestimated. Significantly, these errors persist even as the band gap of semiconductors tends to zero, unlike in metals. This persistent discrepancy stems from the discontinuity in wavefunctions between the semiconductors' VBM and CBM.

Layered Wide Bandgap Semiconductor GaPS4 as a Charge‐Trapping Medium for Use in High‐Temperature Artificial Synaptic Applications

AbstractArtificial synaptic devices (ASDs) are attracting widespread attention as highly promising components for use in complex neuromorphic systems, playing crucial roles in addressing the challenges posed by the conventional von Neumann architecture. However, the instabilities of ASDs in high‐temperature environments diminish the reliabilities of the device performances, significantly inhibiting their practical application. Herein, a highly reliable 2D MoS2/GaPS4 ASD that maintains its functionality even after exposure to 400 °C is proposed. Moreover, due to the enhanced charge‐trapping effect of the GaPS4 layer, the memory window expands from an initial 42 to 55 V, accompanied by a substantial on/off ratio of 105, low off‐leakage current of 10−11 A, and high number of endurance cycles (103). The device effectively simulates various biological synaptic functions via electric and light stimulation. Notably, the high electric and light paired‐pulse facilitation indices suggest an exceptional synaptic performance. The findings introduce a novel approach to high‐temperature neuromorphic applications via defect engineering.

Feature-Assisted Machine Learning for Predicting Band Gaps of Binary Semiconductors.

The band gap is a key parameter in semiconductor materials that is essential for advancing optoelectronic device development. Accurately predicting band gaps of materials at low cost is a significant challenge in materials science. Although many machine learning (ML) models for band gap prediction already exist, they often suffer from low interpretability and lack theoretical support from a physical perspective. In this study, we address these challenges by using a combination of traditional ML algorithms and the 'white-box' sure independence screening and sparsifying operator (SISSO) approach. Specifically, we enhance the interpretability and accuracy of band gap predictions for binary semiconductors by integrating the importance rankings of support vector regression (SVR), random forests (RF), and gradient boosting decision trees (GBDT) with SISSO models. Our model uses only the intrinsic features of the constituent elements and their band gaps calculated using the Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof method, significantly reducing computational demands. We have applied our model to predict the band gaps of 1208 theoretically stable binary compounds. Importantly, the model highlights the critical role of electronegativity in determining material band gaps. This insight not only enriches our understanding of the physical principles underlying band gap prediction but also underscores the potential of our approach in guiding the synthesis of new and valuable semiconductor materials.

Competition between Electron–Phonon and Spin–Phonon Interaction on the Band Gap and Phonon Spectrum in Magnetic Semiconductors

Using the microscopic s-f model and Green’s function theory, we study the temperature dependence of the band gap energy Eg and the phonon energy ω and damping γ of ferro- and antiferromagnetic semiconductors, i.e., with different signs of the s-f interaction constant I. The band gap is a fundamental quantity which affects various optical, electronic and energy applications of the materials. In the temperature dependence of Eg and the phonon spectrum, there is a kink at the phase transition temperature TC or TN due to the anharmonic spin–phonon interaction (SPI) R. Moreover, the effect of the SPI R and electron–phonon interaction (EPI) A on these properties is discussed. For I>0,R>0, Eg decreases with increasing SPI and EPI, whereas for I<0,R>0, there is a competition; Eg increases with raising the EPI and decreases for enhanced SPI. For R<0, in both cases, the SPI and EPI reduce Eg. The magnetic field dependence of Eg for the two signs of I and R is discussed. The SPI and EPI lead to reducing the energy of the phonon mode ω = 445 cm−1 in EuO (I>0, R<0), whereas ω = 151 cm−1 in EuSe (I>0, R>0) is enhanced with increasing EPI and reduced with SPI. Both the SPI and EPI lead to an increasing of the phonon damping in EuO and EuSe. The results are compared with the existing experimental data.

Doping Effects and Relationship between Energy Band Gaps, Impact of Ionization Coefficient and Light Absorption Coefficient in Semiconductors

The doping process is very important in semiconductor technology that is widely used in the production of electronic devices. The effects of doping on the resistivity, mobility and energy band gap of semiconductors are significant and can greatly impact the performance of electronic devices. This thesis aims to investigate the impact of doping on the resistivity, mobility, energy band gap, impact of ionization coefficient, and light absorption coefficient of semiconductors. The study involves an in-depth analysis of the electronic properties of doped semiconductors and their behavior in various conditions. This thesis will provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of doping on the electronic properties of semiconductors. The energy band gap, impact of ionization coefficient, and Light absorption coefficient were observed in this thesis. In the experimental result, the relation between energy band gap and atomic density, light absorption coefficient and atomic density, impact ionization and atomic density, impact ionization coefficient and Light absorption coefficient, resistivity and mobility has been found.

Surface electronic structure and photo activity of double perovskite Ba[formula omitted]PrBiO[formula omitted]: First-principles investigations

Double perovskite Ba2PrBiO6 exhibits photo catalytic activity in the visible light range with the observed optical band gap of ∼1.0 eV. On the other hand, density functional theory (DFT) calculations predict a larger bulk band gap of 2.0 eV even with the standard Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE) functional, which is known to underestimate the band gap of semiconductors. Much larger bulk band gap of 3.13 eV is predicted with a hybrid functional treatment for the exchange–correlation, which generally gives better descriptions for them. This discrepancy between experiment and theory implies the presence of unknown mechanism which effectively reduces the band gap of Ba2PrBiO6 and thereby gains the sensitivity to the visible light. The first finding is that the surface band gaps of Ba2PrBiO6 calculated using an appropriate hybrid functional are smaller than the bulk band gaps and are 2.49 eV and 2.85 eV for the Pr–Bi and Ba–O polar surfaces, respectively. We also find that work function is quite sensitive to the surface structures and its accurate calculations are essential to show that the reduction and oxidation levels are fit to the gap region. When a substitutional defect PrBi, in which Bi is substituted by Pr, is introduced into the Pr–Bi polar surface, surface band gap is further reduced to 0.93 eV, being very close to the experimental value. For the Ba–O polar surface, similar reduction to 1.59 eV is found but not substantial as compared to the Pr–Bi polar surface. These narrow surface band gaps may be the origin of the photo activity of Ba2PrBiO6 in the visible light region. We also performed Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations to clarify the reactivity of the polar surfaces to water. We find that two hydroxyl groups were created in the adsorption of a single H2O molecule. The decomposition of water molecule in the adsorption indicates that the polar surfaces provide a promising stage for the photo catalytic activity. Further adsorption of H2O molecules leads to their diffusion on the surface.

Surface-Potential-Based Drain Current Model for Ambipolar Organic TFTs

A surface-potential-based drain current model is presented for ambipolar organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). First, following the multiple trapping and release (MTR) conduction mechanism, a drain current model is presented for unipolar OTFTs considering exponentially distributed trap state density in the energy gap of an organic semiconductor. Next, from the model for unipolar OTFTs, analyzing electrons or (and) holes in different regimes, the model for ambipolar OTFTs is presented. The presented model can describe the drain current by compact expressions and can estimate the trap states density. The model is verified by available experimental data considering temperature characteristics.

Two-dimensional Be2P4 as a promising thermoelectric material and anode for Na/K-ion batteries.

Incredibly effective and flexible energy conversion and storage systems hold great promise for portable self-powered electronic devices. Owing to their large surface area, exceptional atomic structures, superior electrical conductivity and good mechanical flexibility, two-dimensional (2D) materials are recognized as an attractive option for energy conversion and storage application. In this work, we examined the stability, electronic, thermoelectric and electrochemical aspects of a novel 2D Be2P4 monolayer by adopting density functional theory (DFT). The Be2P4 monolayer exhibits a direct semiconductor gap of 0.9 eV (HSE06), large Young's modulus (∼198 GPa), high carrier mobility (∼104 cm2 V-1 s-1) and a low excitonic binding energy of 0.11 eV. Our calculated findings suggest that Be2P4 shows a lattice thermal conductivity of 1.02 W m K-1 at 700 K, resulting in moderate thermoelectric performance (ZT ∼ 0.7), encouraging its use in thermoelectric materials. In addition, a higher adsorption energy of -2.28 eV (-2.52 eV) and less diffusion barrier of 0.22 eV (0.17 eV) for Na(K)-ion batteries promote fast ion transport in the Be2P4 monolayer. This material also shows a high specific capacity and superior energy density of 8460 W h kg-1 (8883 W h kg-1) for Na(K)-ion batteries. Thus, our results offer insightful information for investigating potential thermoelectric and flexible anode materials based on the Be2P4 monolayer.

Unlock the Visible-Light Photocatalytic OWS by Surface Disorder-Engineered Bi-Based Composite Oxides through Phosphorization.

It has been proven that the introduction of disorder in the surface layers can narrow the energy band gap of semiconductors. Disordering the surface's atomic arrangement is primarily achieved through hydrogenation reduction. In this work, we propose a new approach to achieve visible-light absorption through surface phosphorization, simultaneously raising the energy band structure. In particular, the surface phosphorization of BixY1-xVO4 was successfully prepared by annealing them with a small amount of NaH2PO2 under a N2 atmosphere. After this treatment, the obtained BixY1-xVO4 showed distinct absorption in visible light. The surface phosphorization treatment not only improves the photocatalytic activity of BixY1-xVO4 but also enables visible-light photocatalytic overall water splitting. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this surface phosphorization method is universal for Bi-based composite oxides.

Effect of oxygen vacancy defects on electronic and magnetic properties of copper pyrophosphate material

The effect of oxygen vacancies (VO) on the electronic and magnetic properties of copper pyrophosphate dihydrate Cu2P2O7*2H2O (CuPPD) semiconductors is studied employing the DFT-based ab initio pseudopotential method. Site preference for vacancy formation on the selected oxygen sublattices is analyzed. Investigations revealed that the VO vacancies led to narrow bands of hybridized Cu-3d and O-2p states within the energy gap of perfect CuPPD semiconductors, significantly reducing the gap width from 2.17 eV to 0.19 eV and changing its character from indirect to direct one. Calculations have shown that the vacancies have no significant influence on the ferrimagnetic structure of CuPPD. The magnetic properties are driven by local magnetic moments of Cu atoms pointed oppositely. The oxygen vacancies slightly modify the spin polarization of d-orbitals of Cu atoms neighboring the vacancy, resulting in the non-zero total magnetic moment of 0.19 µB/FU (0.0 µB/FU in perfect CuPPD). The study's main finding, which can be exploited in nanoelectronics, is that the controlled implementation of oxygen vacancies can regulate the energy gap of CuPPD semiconductors.

Shape-Controlled Synthesis of Cu3TeO6 Nanoparticles with Photocatalytic Features.

Cu3TeO6 (CTO) has been synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis applying different pH values without any template or a calcination step to control the crystalline phase and the morphology of nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance ultraviolet-visible (DRUV-vis) spectroscopy techniques revealed that the pH values significantly influence the crystal growth. In acidic media (pH = 2), crystal growth has not been achieved. At pH = 4, the yield is low (10%), and the CTO presents irregular morphology. At pH = 6, the yield increases (up to 71%) obtaining an agglomeration of nanoparticles into spherical morphology. At basic conditions (pH = 8), the yield increases up to 90% and the morphology is the same as the sample obtained at pH = 6. At high basic conditions (pH = 10), the yield is similar (92%), although the morphology changes totally to dispersed nanoparticles. Importantly, the as-prepared CTO semiconductor presents photocatalytic activity for H2 production using triethanolamine as a sacrificial agent under visible light illumination. The results also revealed that the nanoparticles agglomerated in a spherical morphology with larger surface area presented almost double activities in H2 production compared to heterogeneously sized particles. These results highlight the suitable optoelectronic properties, including optical band gap, energy levels, and photoconductivity of CTO semiconductors for their use in photocatalytic H2 production.