Rajesh Sharma et al 2009 Nanotechnology 20 075704 doi:10.1088/0957-4484/20/7/075704
Rajesh Sharma1,4, Prajna P Das2, Mano Misra2, Vishal Mahajan2, Jacob P Bock1, Steve Trigwell3, Alexandru S Biris1 and Malay K Mazumder1
Show affiliationsA synergistic combination of nanostructure synthesis and plasma surface modification was used to enhance the photoelectrochemical activity of titania (TiO2) anodes. Titania nanotubular photoanodes were synthesized by electrochemical anodization of Ti thin foils. Nitrogen plasma was used to dope N at the surface of the photoanodes while removing chemisorbed species. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed an increase in the surface concentration of nitrogen. The photocurrent density of plasma treated samples was approximately 80% higher than that of the control. The open circuit potential of the plasma treated samples was more negative compared to that of the control, implying a favorable energetics for water splitting. This increase in photoactivity could be ascribed to: (1) increased absorption of visible light due to bandgap reduction, (2) minimization of charge carrier traps, (3) optimal oxygen vacancies, and (4) increased surface area for enhanced optical absorption and improved charge carrier generation.
82.45.Yz Nanostructured materials in electrochemistry
82.80.Pv Electron spectroscopy (x-ray photoelectron (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), etc.)
Surfaces, interfaces and thin films
Issue 7 (18 February 2009)
Received 10 November 2008, in final form 8 December 2008
Published 26 January 2009
Rajesh Sharma et al 2009 Nanotechnology 20 075704
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