Improving Photoelectrochemical Activity of ZnO/TiO2 Core–Shell Nanostructure through Ag Nanoparticle Integration

In solar energy harvesting using cells and photocatalysts, the photoexcitation of electrons holes in semiconductors is first major step conversion. The lifetime carriers, a key factor determining conversion photocatalysis efficiency, shortened mainly by recombination photoexcited carriers. We prepared tested series ZnO/TiO2-based heterostructures search designs which can extend carrier lifetime. Time-resolved photoluminescence tests revealed that, ZnO/TiO2 core–shell structure extended over 20 times comparing with pure ZnO nanorods. performance improved further when Ag nanoparticles were integrated at interface to construct Z-scheme structure. utilized these samples as photoanodes photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell analyzed their water splitting performances. Our data showed that modifications significantly enhanced PEC performance. Especially, under visible light, generated photocurrent density 100 higher than from original samples. These results reveal potential ZnO-Ag-TiO2 nanorod arrays long-carrier-lifetime for future applications.