NaF-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Ti-doped hematite nanocubes with enhanced photoelectrochemical activity for water splitting.

Ti-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 nanocubes on FTO substrate was prepared by hydrothermal deposition β-FeOOH onto FTO glass with a solution of FeCl 3 , TiOCl 2 and NaF, followed by an appropriate annealing. In comparison to Ti-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 nanorods Ti-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 nanocubes showed an enhanced photoelectrochemical activity for water splitting, with a remarkable IPCE of 25.2% at 340 nm at the potential of 1.23 V vs. RHE. The hematite films were studied in detail by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. On the basis of the obtained results, the improved performance of Ti-doped α-Fe 2 O 3 nanocubes can be ascribed to the porous structure, good electrical conductivity and fast charge transportation of hematite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]