Plasmonnic Enhancement of Photocatalytic Activity in AuModified Nanoporous Hematite Photoanodes

Herein, we report on production of nanoporous columnar hematite films modified with Au nanoparticles(NPs) to owercome drawbacks in hematite for water oxidation purposes. The nanoporous hematite films areprepared by electron beam evaporation. Then, Au NPs are infiltrated into the hematite films by a spin coatingprocess. The water oxidation of hematite films is further enhanced after Au modification. The most efficientelectrode generates a photocurrent density of ۲.۷ mA.cm-۲ at ۱.۵ V (RHE), showing about two-foldimprovement relative to that of the bare hematite. Optical and electrochemical analyses suggest that theimprovement after Au modification can be attributed to plasmonic and reduction of surface chargerecombination.

Keywords:

Hematite Photoanode , Au Nanoparticles , Plasmonic , Water Splitting