Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society (한국세라믹학회지)

The Korean Ceramic Society (한국세라믹학회)
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Minimization of Recombination Losses in 3D Nanostructured TiO2 Coated with Few Layered g-C3N4 for Extended Photo-response

  • Kang, Suhee (Department of Materials Engineering, Hanyang University) ;
  • Pawar, Rajendra C. (Department of Materials Engineering, Hanyang University) ;
  • Park, Tae Joon (Research Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hanyang University) ;
  • Kim, Jin Geum (Department of Materials Engineering, Hanyang University) ;
  • Ahn, Sung-Hoon (Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University) ;
  • Lee, Caroline Sunyong (Department of Materials Engineering, Hanyang University)
  • Received : 2016.05.31
  • Accepted : 2016.07.20
  • Published : 2016.07.31
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Abstract

We have successfully fabricated 3D (3-dimensional) nanostructures of $TiO_2$ coated with a $g-C_3N_4$ layer via hydrothermal and sintering methods to enhance photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. Due to the coupling of $TiO_2$ and $g-C_3N_4$, the nanostructures exhibited good performance as the higher conduction band of $g-C_3N_4$, which can be combined with $TiO_2$. To fabricate 3D nanostructures of $g-C_3N_4/TiO_2$, $TiO_2$ was first grown as a double layer structure on FTO (Fluorine-doped tin oxide) substrate at $150^{\circ}C$ for 3 h. After this, the $g-C_3N_4$ layer was coated on the $TiO_2$ film at $520^{\circ}C$ for 4 h. As-prepared samples were varied according to loading of melamine powder, with values of loading of 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 0.75 g, and 1 g. From SEM and TEM analysis, it was possible to clearly observe the 3D sample morphologies. From the PEC measurement, 0.5 g of $g-C_3N_4/TiO_2$ film was found to exhibit the highest current density of $0.12mA/cm^2$, along with a long-term stability of 5 h. Compared to the pristine $TiO_2$, and to the 0.25 g, 0.75 g, and 1 g $g-C_3N_4/TiO_2$ films, the 0.5 g of $g-C_3N_4/TiO_2$ sample was coated with a thin $g-C_3N_4$ layer that caused separation of the electrons and the holes; this led to a decreasing recombination. This unique structure can be used in photoelectrochemical applications.

Keywords

References

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