CdS Decorated on Hierarchically Structured Single Crystal TiO ₂ Nanosheets for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical H ₂ Generation

Abstract Single crystal anatase TiO 2 nanosheets (TNS) were grown on a fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate and then modified via multiple TiCl 4 treatments to produce hierarchical structure. This high surface area structure was decorated with CdS (as visible light absorber) using SILAR treatments. The resulting photoanodes provide greatly enhanced photoelectrochemical H generation capability. For the optimized TNS electrode, photocurrent magnitude of 3.5mA/cm at 0.5V Ag/AgCl (under AM 1.5G, 100mW/cm ) obtained, an applied bias photoconversion efficiency (ABPE) 2.5% could be reached. increase in specific provided by responsible for improved performance comparison plain, non‐hierarchical electrode ABPE=0.8%. Even after particle decoration, rapid electron flow through single‐crystalline scaffold maintained. Consequently, photoanode presented here best integrates synergistic manner, larger area, fast transport, effective harvesting properties.