Core-Shell Vanadium Modified Titania@β-In2S3 Hybrid Nanorod Arrays for Superior Interface Stability and Photochemical Activity

Core-shell rutile TiO2@beta-In2S3 and modified V-TiO2@beta-In2S3 were synthesized to develop bilayer systems to uphold charge transport via an effective and stable interface. Morphological studies revealed that beta-In2S3 was deposited homogeneously on V-TiO2 as compared to unmodified TiO2 nanorod arrays. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron energy loss spectrometry studies verified the presence of various oxidation states of vanadium in rutile TiO2 and the vanadium surface was utilized for broadening the charge collection centers in host substrate layer and hole quencher window. Subsequently, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectra confirmed the ruffle phases of TiO2 and modified V-TiO2 along with the phases of crystalline beta-In2S3. XPS valence band study explored the interaction of valence band quazi Fermi levels of beta-In2S3 with the conduction band quazi Fermi levels of modified V-TiO2 for enhanced charge collection at the interface. Photoelectrochemical studies show that the photocurrent density of V-TiO2@beta-In2S3 is 1.42 mA/cm(2) (1.5AM illumination). Also, the frequency window for TiO2 was broadened by the vanadium modification in ruffle TiO2 nanorod arrays, and the lifetime of the charge carrier and stability of the interface in V-TiO2@beta-In2S3 were enhanced compared to the unmodified TiO2@beta-In2S3. These findings highlight the significance of modifications in host substrates and interfaces, which have profound implications on interphase stability, photocatalysis and solar-fuel-based devices.