Improved photoelectrochemical water splitting of hematite nanorods thermally grown on Fe-Ti alloys

Authors

Lei Wang, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg
Chong-Yong Lee, University of Erlangen-NurembergFollow
Patrik Schmuki, King Abdulaziz University, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg

RIS ID

104319

Publication Details

Wang, L., Lee, C. & Schmuki, P. (2014). Improved photoelectrochemical water splitting of hematite nanorods thermally grown on Fe-Ti alloys. Electrochemistry Communications, 44 49-53.

Abstract

Here we show that hematite (α-Fe2O3) nanostructures with a high water splitting performance can be formed on Fe-Ti alloys using the most simple thermal treatment in air and Ar. The use of the Fe-Ti alloy suppresses the formation of thick suboxide underlayers that are strongly detrimental for the photoconversion efficiency. The formed nanorod structures show an onset potential of up to 0.6-0.7 VRHE. This beneficial effect is attributed to the combination of suppression of a thick suboxide and the nature of the α-Fe2O3 nanorods after Ar annealing. 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.