Investigation of the Diffusion of Cr2O3 into Different Phases of TiO2 upon Annealing

• DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.0c02270
• Publication Date: 2021-01-06T00:44:24Z
• Authors: Abdulrahman S. Al...; Christopher T. Gi...; Gregory F. Metha; Gunther G. Andersson
• Keywords: Overlayer; Rutile; Low-energy ion scattering

Chromium oxide (Cr2O3) can be used as a protective layer for photocatalysts to improve photocatalytic water splitting activity and is commonly photodeposited. However, it not known how the conditions of Cr2O3 formation affect potential diffusion into substrate onto which has been deposited. We have investigated stability photodeposited surface different crystal phases TiO2 with subsequent annealing at range temperatures up 600 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy synchrotron near-edge absorption fine structure were analyze chemical composition sample, neutral impact collision ion scattering was study concentration depth profile elements in atomic force microscopy investigate morphology surface. Under conditions, diffuses amorphous anatase but remains rutile phase. This finding attributed differences energy being higher than lower phase TiO2. Reduction Cr metal observed after no observation oxidized forms chromium like CrO2 CrO3. These findings are general interest researchers utilizing overlayer augment splitting.