Water Photo-Electrooxidation Using Mats of TiO2 Nanorods, Surface Sensitized by a Metal–Organic Framework of Nickel and 1,2-Benzene Dicarboxylic Acid

Photoanodes comprising a transparent glass substrate coated with thin conductive film of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) and layer photoactive phase have been fabricated tested regard to the photo-electro-oxidation water into molecular oxygen. The was made mat TiO2 nanorods (TDNRs) micrometric thickness. Individual were successfully photosensitized nanoparticles metal–organic framework (MOF) nickel 1,2-benzene dicarboxylic acid (BDCA). Detailed microstructural information obtained from SEM TEM analysis. chemical composition active determined by XRD, XPS FTIR Optical properties UV–Vis spectroscopy. photooxidation activity evaluated linear sweep voltammetry robustness assessed chrono-amperometry. OER (oxygen evolution reaction) photo-activity these photoelectrodes found be directly related amount MOF deposited on nanorods, therefore maximized adjusting content. microscopic reaction mechanism which controls photoactivity analyzed photo-electrochemical impedance Microscopic rate parameters are reported. These results contribute development characterization MOF-sensitized photoanodes.