Heterostructured Ternary In2O3-Ag-TiO2 Nanotube Arrays for Simulated Sunlight-Driven Photoelectrocatalytic Hydrogen Generation

The ternary In2O3-Ag-TiO2 composites based on anatase TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) were synthesized to extend the light responsive region, enhance the visible light absorption, reduce the recombination rate of charge carriers and promote the efficiency of water splitting for H-2 evolution. Highly ordered TNTs were first prepared by electrochemical anodization of Ti sheets. Ag nanoparticles with a diameter of about 20 nm were then uniformly deposited inside and on the orifice of the TNTs. In2O3 nanoparticles synthesized through a solvent-thermal method were subsequently modified on the Ag-TNTs using an ultrasound-assisted electrophoresis method. In2O3-Ag-TNTs composites exhibited enhanced visible light absorption and photocurrent when compared to binary Ag-TNTs and In2O3-TNTs. As a result, the optimal hydrogen generation rate using the In2O3-Ag-TNTs composite under visible light irradiation was 1.92 mu mol cm(-2) h(-1), 5 times higher than that of the pure TNTs.

Automated summary

By synthesizing ternary In2O3-Ag-TiO2 composites on anatase TiO2 nanotube arrays, the visible light absorption and photocurrent efficiency were enhanced, leading to a significant improvement in the efficiency of hydrogen production through water splitting.