Hydrogenated TiO₂ nanotube photonic crystals for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting

Abstract

We report the design, fabrication and characterization of novel TiO₂ nanotube photonic crystals with a crystalline core/disordered shell structure as well as substantial oxygen vacancies for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The novel TiO₂ nanotube photonic crystals are fabricated by annealing of anodized TiO₂ nanotube photonic crystals in hydrogen atmosphere at various temperatures. The optimized novel TiO₂ nanotube photonic crystals produce a maximal photocurrent density of 2.2 mA cm^-2 at 0.22 V versus Ag/AgCl, which is two times higher that of the TiO₂ nanotube photonic crystals annealed in air. Such significant PEC performance improvement can be ascribed to synergistic effects of the disordered surface layer and oxygen vacancies. The reduced band gap owing to the disordered surface layer and localized states induced by oxygen vacancies can enhance the efficient utilization of visible light. In addition, the disordered surface layer and substantial oxygen vacancies can promote the efficiency for separation and transport of the photogenerated carriers. This work may open up new opportunities for the design and construction of the high efficient and low-cost PEC water splitting system.