Double-Sided CdS and CdSe Quantum Dot Co-Sensitized ZnO Nanowire Arrays for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Generation

• DOI: 10.1021/nl100250z
• Publication Date: 2010-02-11T19:16:24Z
• Authors: Gongming Wang; Xunyu Yang; Fang Qian; Jin Z. Zhang; Yat Li
• Keywords: Photocurrent; Photoelectrochemical cell

We report the design and characterization of a novel double-sided CdS CdSe quantum dot cosensitized ZnO nanowire arrayed photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation. The represents simple analogue tandem cell structure, in which dense arrays were grown on an indium−tin oxide substrate followed by respective sensitization dots each side. As-fabricated exhibited strong absorption nearly entire visible spectrum up to 650 nm, with high incident-photon-to-current-conversion efficiency (IPCE) ∼45% at 0 V vs Ag/AgCl. On basis single white light illumination 100 mW/cm2, yielded significant photocurrent density ∼12 mA/cm2 0.4 IPCE enhanced compared sensitized structures as result band alignment electrolyte. Moreover, comparison single-sided layered structures, this architecture that enables direct interaction between showed improved charge collection efficiency. Our first integrates uniquely two semiconductor distinct gaps PEC generation can be possibly applied other applications such nanostructured photovoltaic cells.