Compact hematite buffer layer as a promoter of nanorod photoanode performances

Year: 2016

Authors: Milan R., Cattarin S., Comisso N., Baratto C., Kaunisto K., Tkachenko N. V., Concina I.

Autors Affiliation: Univ Brescia, Dept Informat Engn, Via Branze 38,9, I-25131 Brescia, Italy; CNR, INO SENSOR Lab, Via Branze 45, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; ICMATE CNR, Corso Stati Uniti 4, I-35127 Padua, Italy; Tampere Univ Technol, Dept Chem & Bioengn, POB 541, FI-33101 Tampere, Finland; Lulea Univ Technol, Div Mat Sci, Dept Engn Sci & Math, S-97187 Lulea, Sweden; VTT Tech Res Ctr Finland Ltd, Espoo, Finland.

Abstract: The effect of a thin alpha-Fe2O3 compact buffer layer (BL) on the photoelectrochemical performances of a bare alpha-Fe2O3 nanorods photoanode is investigated. The BL is prepared through a simple spray deposition onto a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass substrate before the growth of a alpha-Fe2O3 nanorods via a hydrothermal process. Insertion of the hematite BL between the FTO and the nanorods markedly enhances the generated photocurrent, by limiting undesired losses of photogenerated charges at the FTO parallel to electrolyte interface. The proposed approach warrants a marked improvement of material performances, with no additional thermal treatment and no use/ dispersion of rare or toxic species, in agreement with the principles of green chemistry.

Journal/Review: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS

Volume: 6      Pages from: 35049-1  to: 35049-10

More Information: IC thanks VINNOVA under the VINNMER Marie Curie Incoming project \”Light Energy\” for partial funding.
KeyWords: Hematite, Solar cell, Photoanode
DOI: 10.1038/srep35049

Citations: 15
data from “WEB OF SCIENCE” (of Thomson Reuters) are update at: 2024-10-27
References taken from IsiWeb of Knowledge: (subscribers only)
Connecting to view paper tab on IsiWeb: Click here
Connecting to view citations from IsiWeb: Click here