Rational engineering of morphology modulated Ti-ZnO thin films coupled monolayer Ti3C2 MXene for efficient visible light PEC water splitting activity br

Abstract

Novel morphology modulated monolayer 2D Ti3C2 MXene coupled Ti-doped ZnO (Ti3C2/Ti-ZnO) photoelectrode developed for exploring interfacial charge transfer and visible-light photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. Here, we altered the flake-like ZnO into grain-like morphology by selective Ti (2 at.%) doping into ZnO under simultaneous radio frequency (RF) and direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering. This study describes the versatility of the Ti3C2/Ti-ZnO (monolayer/grain-like) interface. Transmission electron microscopy findings suggest that Ti3C2 MXene developed in a monolayer. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy proved a consistent grain-like Ti-ZnO thin film interface with monolayer Ti3C2 MXene. We also find Hall effect measurements to uncover the interfacial impact on charge carrier generation. The fabricated monolayer/grainlike interface modulated the band gap towards visible region. With all the above benefits, Ti3C2/Ti-ZnO achieved stable visible water splitting for 21 min. Overall, these findings provide the potentiality of Ti3C2/ Ti-ZnO photoelectrode to extend the PEC activity towards the visible region.