Incorporation of an Au-rGO Layer to Enhance the Photocatalytic Application of Optimized CdS Thin Film

Abstract

© 2018 by the Authors. Nanoscale architecturing of photoanodes with the improved photoelectrochemical activities for water splitting has been demonstrated by introduction of gold (Au) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to cadmium-sulfide (CdS). We optimized CdS thin film by an inert atmosphere heat-treatment, on which Au-rGO-coated CdS (Au-rGO@CdS) could be obtained by sequential deposition of rGO and Au. The morphology, structure and optical and vibrational properties of the CdS and Au-rGO@CdS samples were found to be in good correlation with the photoelectrochemical analysis. The Au-rGO@CdS thin film showed a current density of 5 mA/cm2 at 0 V (vs SCE), which is approximately 3.5 times higher than that of the as-prepared CdS thin film. The enhancement mechanism has been discussed elaborately through the extensive photoelectrochemical characterization.