Nanostructural characterization of mesoporous hematite thin film photoanode used for water splitting

Autor(es)

Goncalves, Ricardo H. ^[1] ; Leite, Edson R. ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Chem, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: Journal of Materials Research; v. 29, n. 1, p. 47-54, JAN 14 2014.
• Citações Web of Science: 9

Resumo

By combining high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy with analytical capability, we investigated the nanostructure of a textured hematite photoanode with columnar grains obtained by the colloidal deposition of magnetite nanocrystals. This initial report describes in detail the structure and chemistry of the alpha-Fe2O3/SnO2:F interface by identifying semicoherent and incoherent interfaces as well as a localized interdiffusion layer of Sn and Fe at the interface (similar to 100 nm in length). Our study indicates that unintentional doping by tin at a high sintering temperature is not significant in enhancing hematite photoanode performance for water oxidation. The correlation of nanoscale morphology with photoelectrochemical characterization facilitated the identification of the beneficial effect of a preferential growth direction of a hematite film along the {[}110] axis for water-splitting efficiency. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 98/14324-0 - Multidisciplinary Center for Development of Ceramic Materials
• Beneficiário: Elson Longo da Silva
• Linha de fomento: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Centros de Pesquisa, Inovação e Difusão - CEPIDs