Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Activity from Visible Light by Growing CdS/ITO Nanocomposites onto Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

CdS:H films were coated onto ITO/SWCNT nanocomposites using facial off-axis sputtering at room temperature, which enhanced the photoelectrochemical activity under visible light illumination. Crystallized ITO conducting films were grown between CdS:H and SWCNTs using nano-cluster deposition (NCD) at 250°C to decrease the contact resistance. The maximum photo-hydrogen conversion efficiencies of the CdS:H (50 nm)/ITO/SWCNT composite electrodes and the CdS:H (100 nm)/ITO/SWCNT composite electrodes, both in electrolyte solutions of 1M Na2S, were approximately 2.7 and 10.1%, respectively, under visible light irradiation (I° = 100 mW cm-2). Transparent conducting oxide ITO films integrated at the interface between the CdS:H and the SWCNTs played an important role in enhancing the photo electrochemical activity. © 2013 The Electrochemical Society.