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Elucidating the role of CZTS QDs and CNTs for boosting the photoelectrochemical response of TiO2

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Abstract

This work highlights the potential of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Cu2ZnSnS4 quantum dots (CZTS QDs) for enhancing the photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 thin film. A combination of eco-friendly materials with a simple approach to synthesis makes the system effective. The photoelectrodes have been prepared by depositing CZTS QDs over both TiO2 as well as TiO2–CNT composite. An enhanced photocurrent density of 1.5 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V/RHE has been observed for CZTS QDs modified TiO2–CNT composite which is 15-fold increased in contrast to pristine TiO2. Here, CZTS QDs, as well as CNTs both, provide a widening of the light absorption characteristics of TiO2 from UV to the visible region. Further, the p–n junction created between CZTS QDs and TiO2–CNT plays a crucial role in charge separation process through electric field generated at the junction. Various characterization techniques have been used for structural, morphological and optical properties analysis. The increased photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of photoelectrode has been justified with the help of UV–Vis spectra, Mott–Schottky, Nyquist and transient open circuit potential plots.

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Acknowledgements

One of the authors (Ashi Ikram) is grateful for the financial support provided by University Grants Commission (UGC) New Delhi, India under Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme; vide section No.F.4-2/2006 (BSR)/PH/19-20/0067 to carry out the research. Authors are thankful to Central Instrumentation facility (CIF), Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and IIT, Delhi for Raman spectroscopy and HRTEM characterizations respectively. We are also thankful to Prof. Vibha R. Satsangi, Head, Deptt. of Physics and Comp. Science, and Prof. Sahab Dass, Head, Deptt. of Chemistry, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra for utilization of their characterization facilities like FESEM, Potentiostat and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrometer.

Funding

This work was supported by University Grants Commission (UGC) New Delhi, India under Dr. D. S. Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme; vide section No.F.4-2/2006 (BSR)/PH/19-20/0067.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India

    Ashi Ikram & Mohammad Zulfequar

  2. Multidisciplinary Centre for Advance Research and Studies (MCARS), Jamia Millia Islamia (A Central University), New Delhi, India

    Mohammad Zulfequar

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AI is responsible for conceptualization, methodology, analysis and investigation, writing and visualization. MZ is responsible for conceptualization, Writing—Review and Editing, and supervision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Ashi Ikram.

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Ikram, A., Zulfequar, M. Elucidating the role of CZTS QDs and CNTs for boosting the photoelectrochemical response of TiO2. J Mater Sci: Mater Electron 34, 1769 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-023-11141-y

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