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CNT-TiO2 core-shell structure: synthesis and photoelectrochemical characterization.
Vasu Prasad Prasadam1, Ali Margot Huerta Flores1, Naoufal Bahlawane1
1Material Research and Technology Department, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology Rue du Brill L-4422 Belvaux Luxembourg naoufal.bahlawane@list.lu.
RSC Advances
|May 2, 2022
Summary
Porous carbon nanotube (CNT)-TiO2 composite coatings significantly boost photo-electrochemical water splitting by over 400%. This enhancement stems from improved surface area and electron transport in the core-shell structure.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising renewable energy technology.
- Efficient photoanodes are crucial for improving PEC water splitting performance.
- Carbon nanotube (CNT)-TiO2 composites offer potential for enhanced photoanode properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize porous CNT-TiO2 core-shell composite coatings.
- To investigate the performance of these composites as photoanodes for PEC water splitting.
- To understand the structure-property relationships governing their enhanced performance.
Main Methods:
- Hybrid chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) techniques were employed for synthesis.
- The crystalline structure and morphology of the TiO2 shell on CNTs were analyzed.
- Photoanode performance was evaluated through photo-electrochemical water splitting measurements.
Main Results:
- Uniform anatase TiO2 shells were successfully coated onto CNTs, forming a core-shell structure.
- The CNT-TiO2 core-shell photoanodes exhibited over 400% improvement in photocurrent compared to bare TiO2 films.
- Enhanced interface area and rapid electron withdrawal contributed to the performance gains.
Conclusions:
- The CNT-TiO2 core-shell architecture is highly effective for enhancing PEC water splitting.
- The improved performance is linked to synergistic effects between CNTs and TiO2.
- Further research may focus on optimizing light penetration to maximize the potential of these composites.
