Photoelectrochemical performance of CdTe sensitized TiO2 nanotube array photoelectrodes

CdTe and ZnS quantum dots sensitized TiO2 nanotube array photoelectrodes were prepared by depositing CdTe and ZnS QDs on the tube walls of the self-organized TiO2 NTs using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. The deposition of CdTe and ZnS on the upper and inner surface of the TiO2 NTs was confirmed by field emission scanning electron (FE-SEM) and transmission electron microscopes (TEM). The obtained results indicated that TiO2 NTs photoelectrodes sensitized by CdTe quantum dots for 5 cycles exhibited excellent photoelectrochemical properties, with an open-circuit voltage of 0.95 V and a short circuit current density of 11.15 mA cm(-2), and ZnS coating protected the photoelectrodes against photocorrosion. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.