Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting through Synergistic Carrier Separation and Transfer in TiO2-Ferrihydrite-MXene Nanowire Arrays

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Weiguang Yang - , Shanghai University (Author)
  • Dengyun Shen - , Shanghai University (Author)
  • Yutong Duan - , Shanghai University (Author)
  • Hengyue Li - , Shanghai University (Author)
  • Jianming Li - , Ningbo University of Technology (Author)
  • Yi Li - , Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

The effective separation and efficient transportation of photogenerated carriers within a photoanode are critical factors for achieving outstanding photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. In this study, TiO2-ferrihydrite (Fh)-MXene nanowire arrays (NWAs) are fabricated by a hydrothermal method followed by spin coating. TiO2-Fh-MXene NWAs achieved a photocurrent density of 1.44 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (vs RHE), surpassing TiO2-Fh by 2.05 times and TiO2 by 2.93 times. According to the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and Mott-Schottky measurements, the significant enhancement in the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs and efficient carrier transportation are ascribed to the integration of Fh and MXene, respectively. Additionally, the light absorption of TiO2 NWAs is improved with the incorporation of the Fh-MXene layer. This work provides valuable insights into the fabrication of photoanodes, especially using wide bandgap materials.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4412-4420
Number of pages9
JournalACS applied energy materials
Volume7
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - 27 May 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

Keywords

Keywords

  • electron transport layer, ferrihydrite-MXene, hole transport layer, metal oxide-TiO, photoelectrochemical water splitting