Influence of deposition temperature on the optical, structural, morphological, compositional and photoelectrochemical properties of TiO sub(2) thin films

• Published in: Journal of materials science. Materials in electronics Vol. 27; no. 11; pp. 11739 - 11750
• Main Authors: Desai, Neha D, Mali, Sawanta S, Mane, Rahul M, Ghanwat, Vishvanath B, Hong, Chang K, Bhosale, Popatrao N
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.11.2016
• Subjects: Crystal structure; Deposition; Efficiency; Nanorods; Optical properties; Spectra; Thin films; Titanium dioxide
• ISSN: 0957-4522; 1573-482X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10854-016-5312-9

In this investigation, we are reporting a photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of TiO sub(2) thin films. Initially, TiO sub(2) thin films were synthesized by using a single step hydrothermal method. The influence of temperature on the optical, structural, morphological, compositional and PEC properties of TiO sub(2) thin films is investigated. The optical study reveals direct allowed type of transition. The XRD pattern confirms pure rutile phase with tetragonal crystal structure. The SEM analysis shows morphological transitions from 1D TiO sub(2) nanorods to give a 3D TiO sub(2) nanoflowers with increase in reaction temperature. The compositional data confirms the presence of titanium and oxygen in their respective oxidation state. HRTEM results confirm single crystalline nature of TiO sub(2) thin films. As the reaction temperature increased from 120 to 180 degree C photoconversion efficiency is enhanced from 0.33 to 0.47 %. Along with PEC performance electrochemical impedance spectra of all the samples is measured.