TiO Nanotubes Decorated with MoC for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water-Splitting Properties.

The presence of Ti in the structure of TiO 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 NTs. To further improve the properties related to PEC performance, we successfully produced TiO NTs using a two-step electrochemical anodization technique, followed by annealing at a temperature of 450 °C. Subsequently, MoC was decorated onto the NTs by dip coating them with precursors at varying concentrations and times. The presence of anatase TiO and TiO phases within the TiO NTs was confirmed through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The TiO NTs that were decorated with MoC demonstrated a photocurrent density of approximately 1.4 mA cm, a value that is approximately five times greater than the photocurrent density exhibited by the bare TiO NTs, which was approximately 0.21 mA cm. The observed increase in photocurrent density can be ascribed to the incorporation of MoC as a cocatalyst, which significantly enhances the photocatalytic characteristics of the TiO NTs. The successful deposition of MoC onto the TiO NTs was further corroborated by the characterization techniques utilized. The utilization of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) allowed for the observation of MoC particles on the surface of TiO 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 for environmentally sustainable hydrogen production through the use of photoelectrochemical water-splitting devices. The utilization of MoC as a cocatalyst on TiO NTs presents opportunities for the advancement of effective and environmentally friendly photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems.