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Boosted Charge Separation and Enhanced PEC Performance in Au-In2S3/TiO2 Nanorod Photoanodes
Hai Yu1, Xiaoyan Liang1, Xinchen Yu1
1School of Physics and Materials Engineering and Key Laboratory for Photoelectric Detection Science and Technology of Education Department of Anhui Province, Hefei Normal University, Hefei230601, China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|July 16, 2026
Summary
This study enhances photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) hydrogen production using Au-In2S3/TiO2 nanorods. The novel material significantly boosts photoelectric current and hydrogen evolution rates, offering a promising advancement in renewable energy technology.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) technology combines photocatalysis and electrocatalysis for enhanced efficiency.
- Efficient charge separation is crucial for improving PEC performance.
- Semiconductor-based photoanodes are key components in PEC systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel Au-In2S3/TiO2 photoelectrode for improved PEC hydrogen production.
- To investigate the effect of Au nanoparticles and In2S3 thin films on TiO2 nanorods.
- To evaluate the performance of the fabricated electrode in methanol-assisted hydrogen evolution reactions.
Main Methods:
- Hydrothermal and electrochemical deposition were used to synthesize Au-In2S3/TiO2 nanorods on FTO substrates.
- Photoelectric current density was measured under varying illumination and bias conditions.
- Methanol-assisted hydrogen production rates were quantified using linear sweep voltammetry.
Main Results:
- The Au-In2S3/TiO2 electrode exhibited a red-shifted cutoff wavelength to 535.6 nm.
- Photoelectric current density reached 2.582 mA/cm2 (18-fold increase) without bias and 7.956 mA/cm2 (24.7-fold increase) at 0.8 V bias.
- Methanol-assisted hydrogen production rate was 2.51 mL/cm2, a 3-fold increase compared to illumination alone.
Conclusions:
- The fabricated Au-In2S3/TiO2 nanorod electrode demonstrates significantly enhanced PEC performance.
- The integration of Au nanoparticles and In2S3 on TiO2 facilitates efficient charge transfer and light absorption.
- This work provides valuable insights for designing high-performance photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions.
