Abstract
The presence of Ti(3+) in the structure of TiO(2) nanotube arrays (NTs) has been shown to enhance the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting performance of these NTs, leading to improved results compared to pristine anatase TiO(2) NTs. To further improve the properties related to PEC performance, we successfully produced TiO(2) NTs using a two-step electrochemical anodization technique, followed by annealing at a temperature of 450 °C. Subsequently, Mo(2)C was decorated onto the NTs by dip coating them with precursors at varying concentrations and times. The presence of anatase TiO(2) and Ti(3)O(5) phases within the TiO(2) NTs was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The TiO(2) NTs that were decorated with Mo(2)C demonstrated a photocurrent density of approximately 1.4 mA cm(-2), a value that is approximately five times greater than the photocurrent density exhibited by the bare TiO(2) NTs, which was approximately 0.21 mA cm(-2). The observed increase in photocurrent density can be ascribed to the incorporation of Mo(2)C as a cocatalyst, which significantly enhances the photocatalytic characteristics of the TiO(2) NTs. The successful deposition of Mo(2)C onto the TiO(2) NTs was further corroborated by the characterization techniques utilized. The utilization of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) allowed for the observation of Mo(2)C particles on the surface of TiO(2) NTs. To validate the composition and optical characteristics of the decorated NTs, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV absorbance analysis were performed. This study introduces a potentially effective method for developing efficient photoelectrodes based on TiO(2) for environmentally sustainable hydrogen production through the use of photoelectrochemical water-splitting devices. The utilization of Mo(2)C as a cocatalyst on TiO(2) NTs presents opportunities for the advancement of effective and environmentally friendly photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems.