Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Ternary Hematite Nanocomposites Structure with Fullerene and 2D-Electrochemical Reduced Graphene Oxide for Superior Photoelectrochemical Performance

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• 作者：Yi Wen Phuan ; Meng Nan Chong ; Oodaye Satokhee ; Andrew Brian De Souza ; Tao Zhu and Eng Seng Chan
• 刊名：Particle & Particle Systems Characterization
• 出版年：2017
• 出版时间：January 2017
• 年：2017
• 卷：34
• 期：1
• 全文大小：1221K
• ISSN：1521-4117

文摘

In this study, a novel ternary hematite nanocomposites photoanode structure with superior photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance consisting of fullerene (C₆₀) and 2D-electrochemical reduced graphene oxide (eRGO) used as the effective surface passivators is developed. The introduction of both the electron scavenging C₆₀ and highly conducting eRGO has mitigated the high interfacial recombination rate of hematite and led to the superior enhancement in PEC performance. UV–vis analysis reveals that the incorporation of C₆₀ and eRGO can provide a stronger light absorption at the visible light (400 nm < λ < 700 nm) and near infrared (IR) region (λ > 700 nm). Through the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, it can be concluded that the introduction of C₆₀ and eRGO onto hematite photoanode improves electron transfer and collection, reduces charge-carrier recombination efficiency, and enhances PEC activity. The resultant ternary hematite photoanode structure exhibits 16.8-fold enhancement in photocurrent density and 0.8-fold reduction in charge transfer resistance when compared to the bare hematite structure only. This study has shown that the application of C₆₀, 2D-eRGO, or in combination as a ternary structure provides the plasmonic effect that can enhance the PEC performance in hematite photoanode structure.