Efficient CoO nanowire array photocatalysts for H2 generation

CoO nanowire arrays for efficient water-splitting were fabricated via a facile hydrothermal and subsequent annealing method. The CoO nanowire is composed of assembled CoO nanoparticles and the particle size can be controlled by annealing temperatures. CoO nanowire array exhibits advantages of easy fabrication, recyclability, and high stability. The origin of the difference of photocatalytic activity among CoO bulk, CoO nanowires annealed under different temperatures, can be contributed to remarkable shift in the position of the band edge due to different CoO particle sizes. Our finding may provide an avenue in design and fabrication of Co-based nanosturctures for practical applications. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.