Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. 93, 20302 (2021)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap/2021200249

Regular Article

Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of TiO₂ nanofiber arrays decorated with CdS nanoparticles via SILAR method

¹ Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Renewable Energy Systems, Research and Technology Center of Energy, Borj-Cedria Science and Technology Park, BP 95, Hammam-Lif 2050, Tunisia
² UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences-Nanotechnology, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, PO Box 392, Pretoria, South Africa
³ Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, 1 Old Faure Road, Somerset West 7129, PO Box 722, Somerset West, Western Cape Province, South Africa

^* e-mail: jamila2.bennaceur@gmail.com

Received: 30 July 2020
Accepted: 7 January 2021
Published online: 2 March 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we report the photoelectrochemical performances of CdS nanoparticles (NPs) decorated TiO₂ photoanodes. The TiO₂ nanofiber arrays (NFAs) were fabricated into Titanium substrate by a hydrothermal method. Afterwards, the deposited TiO₂ NFAs were decorated with CdS NPs by employing a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The obtained samples of CdS covered and uncovered TiO₂ NFAs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and UV-visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy. The size of the CdS nanoparticles increases with the number of SILAR cycles and leads to an additional broad absorption peak in the visible part of the spectrum. Consequently, the photo-electrochemical performance of the CdS decorated TiO₂ was enhanced substantially resulting in a better electron-hole separation and transport. This enhancement has been discussed and assigned to a better sun light harvesting and an efficient charge transfer between the CdS nanoparticles and the TiO₂ NFAs.