1 research outputs found
Core–Shell Vanadium Modified Titania@β-In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> Hybrid Nanorod Arrays for Superior Interface Stability and Photochemical Activity
Core–shell rutile TiO<sub>2</sub>@β-In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> and modified V-TiO<sub>2</sub>@β-In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> were synthesized to develop
bilayer systems to uphold charge transport via an effective and stable
interface. Morphological studies revealed that β-In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> was deposited homogeneously on V-TiO<sub>2</sub> as
compared to unmodified TiO<sub>2</sub> nanorod arrays. X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy (XPS) and electron energy loss spectrometry studies verified
the presence of various oxidation states of vanadium in rutile TiO<sub>2</sub> and the vanadium surface was utilized for broadening the
charge collection centers in host substrate layer and hole quencher
window. Subsequently, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission
electron microscopy, and Raman spectra confirmed the rutile phases
of TiO<sub>2</sub> and modified V-TiO<sub>2</sub> along with the phases
of crystalline β-In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>. XPS valence band
study explored the interaction of valence band quazi Fermi levels
of β-In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> with the conduction band quazi
Fermi levels of modified V-TiO<sub>2</sub> for enhanced charge collection
at the interface. Photoelectrochemical studies show that the photocurrent
density of V-TiO<sub>2</sub>@β-In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> is
1.42 mA/cm<sup>2</sup> (1.5AM illumination). Also, the frequency window
for TiO<sub>2</sub> was broadened by the vanadium modification in
rutile TiO<sub>2</sub> nanorod arrays, and the lifetime of the charge
carrier and stability of the interface in V-TiO<sub>2</sub>@β-In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub> were enhanced compared to the unmodified TiO<sub>2</sub>@β-In<sub>2</sub>S<sub>3</sub>. These findings highlight
the significance of modifications in host substrates and interfaces,
which have profound implications on interphase stability, photocatalysis
and solar-fuel-based devices