TiO 2 Nanotubes Decorated with Mo 2 C for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting Properties.

The presence of Ti 3+ in the structure of TiO 2 nanotube arrays (NTs) has been shown to enhance the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting performance of these NTs, leading to improved results compared to pristine anatase TiO 2 NTs. To further improve the properties related to PEC performance, we successfully produced TiO 2 NTs using a two-step electrochemical anodization technique, followed by annealing at a temperature of 450 °C. Subsequently, Mo 2 C was decorated onto the NTs by dip coating them with precursors at varying concentrations and times. The presence of anatase TiO 2 and Ti 3 O 5 phases within the TiO 2 NTs was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The TiO 2 NTs that were decorated with Mo 2 C demonstrated a photocurrent density of approximately 1.4 mA cm -2 , a value that is approximately five times greater than the photocurrent density exhibited by the bare TiO 2 NTs, which was approximately 0.21 mA cm -2 . The observed increase in photocurrent density can be ascribed to the incorporation of Mo 2 C as a cocatalyst, which significantly enhances the photocatalytic characteristics of the TiO 2 NTs. The successful deposition of Mo 2 C onto the TiO 2 NTs was further corroborated by the characterization techniques utilized. The utilization of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) allowed for the observation of Mo 2 C particles on the surface of TiO 2 NTs. To validate the composition and optical characteristics of the decorated NTs, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV absorbance analysis were performed. This study introduces a potentially effective method for developing efficient photoelectrodes based on TiO 2 for environmentally sustainable hydrogen production through the use of photoelectrochemical water-splitting devices. The utilization of Mo 2 C as a cocatalyst on TiO 2 NTs presents opportunities for the advancement of effective and environmentally friendly photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems.