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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Enhancing the solar water splitting activity of TiO2 nanotube-array photoanode by surface coating with La-doped SrTiO3

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Author(s):
Lucas, Thalles T. A. [1] ; Melo, Mauricio A. [1] ; Freitas, Andre L. M. [2] ; Souza, Flavio L. [2] ; Goncalves, V, Renato
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] V, Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos Inst Phys, POB 369, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[2] Fed Univ ABC, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS; v. 208, MAY 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Photoelectrochemical water splitting has been considered one of the most promising alternatives for the substitution of fossil fuels with a clean and renewable fuel, such as H-2. Two of the most studied photocatalysts for such application are titanium dioxide and strontium titanate due to their favourable photoactivity, robustness and availability; although specific limitations have hindered their large-scale implementations. In this investigation, we produced photoanodes comprising heterojunctions of TiO2 nanotubes and lanthanum-doped SrTiO3 for the photoelectrochemical split of water, under simulated solar irradiation. A thin layer of SrTiO3 formed on the surface of TiO2 nanotubes through a hydrothermal route was effective in promoting the electron-hole separation at the interface, leading to a photocurrent density enhancement from 58.9 to 109.4 mu A cm(-2) (at 1.23 V vs RHE). The charge transfer resistance at the solid/liquid interface was substantially reduced, according to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Further photoactivity increase was achieved by doping the SrTiO3 overlayer with La3+. This is the first time the application of such La:SrTiO3/TiO2 nanocomposite in sustainable energy production is reported. The doping with 10 mol% of La3+ into the Sr2+ sites enhanced the photoelectrochemical response to 144.2 mu A cm(-2) (1.23 V vs RHE) due to the suppression of deep trapping states related to formed SrO species. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/18716-3 - Artificial photosynthesis: development of Tandem systems for hydrogen production from water and sunlight
Grantee:Renato Vitalino Gonçalves
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants