Loading...
Phase evolution in annealed Ni-doped WO3 nanorod films prepared via a glancing angle deposition technique for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Author(s)
Wattanawikkam, Chakkaphan
Bootchanont, Atipong
Porjai, Porramain
Jetjamnong, Chanthawut
Kowong, Rattanachai
Lertvanithphol, Tossaporn
Chananonnawathorn, Chanunthorn
Chirawatkul, Prae
Chanlek, Narong
Nakajima, Hideki
Songsiriritthigul, Prayoon
Kiama, Nuanlaor
Nareejun, Watcharapong
Tomkham, Praewnapa
Ponchio, Chatchai
Klamchuen, Annop
Horprathum, Mati
Date Issued
May 15, 2022
Type
Article
Abstract
Ni-doped WO3 nanorod films were fabricated via a reactive magnetron cosputtering with a glancing angle deposition technique. The crystal structure and surface morphology were observed using grazing incident X-ray diffraction and field emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, respectively. The chemical compositions and oxidation state of each element were investigated by X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The local structure and phase evolution were investigated via X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The local structure of Ni atoms in WO3 nanorod films is characterized as a NiWO4 nanocluster in the WO3 matrix, which is supported by calculated spectra. The phase information obtained after annealing demonstrates that short-length order in amorphous transitions to crystallinity. The phase information of the local structures were acquired and discussed as well as the effect on the annealing process. The coupling of amorphous WO3, crystalline WO3, and amorphous NiWO4 exhibits high photoelectrochemical activity of the sample annealed at 400 °C, which was observed with a large current density (2.35 μA/cm2) at 1.20 V vs. Ag/AgCl under visible light irradiation, which is greater than that of the unmodified WO3 photoelectrode (1.38 μA/cm2).
Citation
Applied Surface Science, 584, 2022