Characterized Semiconductor Electrodes: I . Effect of Processing Variables on the Photoelectrochemical Properties of Single Crystal (Rutile)

Abstract

The photoelectrochemical behavior of (rutile) electrodes has been investigated as a function of electrode preparation. Mechanical polishing of the electrodes has been found to introduce a disturbed layer on the order of 1 μm deep. The experimental results indicate that this layer has an increased density of recombination sites. In addition, this layer affects the reduction process by which donors are created in . Etching or annealing this layer can remove it or modify its behavior. The behavior of etched and annealed electrodes indicates that the absorption and/or reflection of light by can be affected by electrode processing. The stability of electrodes is discussed in terms of their usefulness in electrochemical studies.