Structural and photoelectrochemical properties of porous TiO sub(2) nanofibers decorated with Fe sub(2)O sub(3) by sol-flame

• Published in: Journal of nanoparticle research : an interdisciplinary forum for nanoscale science and technology 2014-08, Vol.16 (8), p.1-10
• Main Authors: Sobti, N, Bensouici, A, Coloma, F, Untiedt, C, Achour, S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Charge transfer; Decoration; Nanofibers; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Rutile; Titanium dioxide; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
• ISSN: 1388-0764; 1572-896X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11051-014-2577-x

The hybrid structure of Fe sub(2)O sub(3) nanoparticles/TiO sub(2) nanofibers (NFs), combines the merits of large surface areas of TiO sub(2) NFs and absorption in ultraviolet light-visible light range. This structure can be used for many applications such as photoelectrochemical water splitting and photo-catalysis. Here, a sol-flame method is used for depositing Fe sub(2)O sub(3) on TiO sub(2) NFs that were prepared by hydrothermal on Ti sheets. The obtained materials were characterized by XRD, SEM, UV/Vis diffuse reflectance, Raman, and XPS. The results revealed the formation of rutile and anatase crystalline phases together with Fe sub(2)O sub(3). This process moves the absorption threshold of TiO sub(2) NFs support into visible spectrum range and enhances the photocurrent in comparison to bare TiO sub(2) NFs, although no hole scavenger was used. The impedance measurement at low and high frequencies revealed an increase in series resistance and a decrease in resistance of charge transfer with sol-flame treatment time. A mechanism for explaining the charge transfer in these TiO sub(2) NFs decorated with Fe sub(2)O sub(3) nanoparticles was proposed.