Photoelectrocatalytic activity of flexible PEDOT–PSS/silicon carbide nanowire films

Abstract

A novel flexible PEDOT/PSS film composite with a laterally bridged SiC nanowire network structure was constructed. Photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution activities of SiC​–PEDOT/PSS in water were investigated. The fast-response, high sensitivity and continuous stability of the composite film were also demonstrated under simulated sunlight irradiation. The flexible film photoelectrode exhibits improved cathodic current density (1.61 mA cm⁻² at 1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl) under simulated sunlight irradiation, which is higher than that of the pristine SiC nanowire film. It also shows an enhanced hydrogen production rate. The enhanced performance of the SiC–PEDOT/PSS can be ascribed to efficient charge separation resulting from the high hole-mobility of PEDOT/PSS. The novel materials, with a flexible semiconductor nanowire network as the framework support of the organic semiconductor films, would provide a promising composite structure for the new organic–inorganic flexible photoelectrocatalytic films.