Gradient doping of Cu(I) and Cu(II) in ZnO nanorod photoanode by electrochemical deposition for enhanced photocurrent generation

This study describes the synthesis and characterization of Cu-doped ZnO nanorods (NRs) by an electrochemical method in presence two different Cu precursor (Cu+2 Cu+) order to improve photocurrent generation. Analyses resulting materials X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis (ECP) spectroscopy confirm formation well-aligned Würtzite nanostructures form hexagonal rods. For both doping source with a concentration up 0.5%, following changes were observed: distortion morphology, increase transmittance 96% for doped Cu+2, reduction energy gap from 3.36 eV 3.06 3.02 Cu+2 Cu+, respectively. From photoelectrochemical tests, photo-current density was improved 0.05 mA cm-2 doping, which is twelve times superior that undoped nanorods, means incorporation or + significantly improves separation efficiency photogenerated electron-hole pairs. These results can be considered promising optoelectronic photocatalysis applications.