Nanorod Array of SnO2 Quantum Dot Interspersed Multiphase TiO2 Heterojunctions with Highly Photocatalytic Water Splitting and Self-Rechargeable Battery-Like Applications

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b18884
• Publication Date: 2018-12-19T18:54:39Z
• Authors: Bai Sun; Yuanzheng Chen; Li Tao; Hongbin Zhao; Guangdong Zhou; Yudong Xia; Hongyan Wang; Yong Zhao
• Keywords: Nanorod

The ever-growing demand for sustainable and renewable power sources has led to the development of novel materials photocatalytic water splitting, but enhancing efficiency remains a core problem. Herein, we report conceptual effective experimental confirmed strategy SnO2 quantum dot (QD) interspersed multiphase (rutile, anatase) TiO2 nanorod arrays (SnO2/RA@TiO2 NRs) immensely enhance carrier separation highly efficient splitting by merging simultaneously QD, multiphase, heterojunction approaches. Under this synergistic effect, doping ratio 25% QD into NRs exhibited superior optical adsorption excellent photocurrent density (2.45 mA/cm2 at 1.0 V), giving rise largely enhanced incident light current in UV region (45–50%). More importantly, material-based device can act as supply with voltage ∼2.8 V after illumination, which automatically self-recharge reacting oxygen vacancy molecule realize reuse. study provides new paradigm about heightening extent heterojunctions, fabricating solar-energy-converting material/device, achieving splitting/self-charging battery-like application.