Enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of Co-doped β-In(2)S(3) nanoflakes as photoanodes for water splitting

This work is primarily focused on indium sulfide (β-In(2)S(3)) and cobalt (Co)-doped β-In(2)S(3) nanoflakes as photoanodes for water oxidation. The incorporation of cobalt introduces new dopant energy levels increasing visible light absorption and leading to improved photo-activity. In addition, cobalt ion centers in β-In(2)S(3) act as potential catalytic sites to promote electro-activity. 5 mol% Co-doped β-In(2)S(3) nanoflakes when tested for photoelectrochemical water splitting exhibited a photocurrent density of 0.69 mA cm(-2) at 1.23 V, much higher than that of pure β-In(2)S(3).