TiO2/CdSe core–shell nanofiber film for photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

Abstract

We report on a novel core–shell TiO₂/CdSe nanofiber photoanode for photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation. The core–shell nanofiber films, with a hierarchical network structure, are prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide coated substrates via electrospinning pyrolysis and chemical bath deposition. The hierarchical network structure shows significantly improved photoelectrochemical properties due, we believe, to possessing more active sites for the oxidation reaction and a larger TiO₂/CdSe interface area for photogenerated charges’ separation. The synthesis details are discussed to provide a generic route for preparing other similar photoanodes with hierarchical network structures.