In the photodeposition of CdSe on TiO2 (CdSe/TiO2), the addition of mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) decreases the particle size.
The MAA addition decreases the contact angle of CdSe particle against the TiO2 surface.
The MAA addition significantly increases the TiO2-surface coverage by CdSe.
The performance of photoelectrochemical cells using CdSe/TiO2 as the photoanode was evaluated under simulated sunlight.
The use of the CdSe/TiO2 photoanode prepared by adding MAA greatly enhances the generation of H2 from water.