Integration of Bi2S3 nanoflowers into TiO2 nanorods for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting performance

Herein, TiO2/Bi2S3 composite photoanode was prepared by loading Bi2S3 nanomaterials on the surface of TiO2 nanorods to promote the separation and transfer of charge carriers. By controlling the concentration of precursors, the morphology of Bi2S3 was modulated from nanosheets to nanoflowers then to nanorods. Benefited from the advantaged three-dimensional structure, TiO2 decorated with Bi2S3 achieved the elevated charge carrier transport. Moreover, the constructed type II heterojunction between TiO2 and Bi2S3 facilitated the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes. With the synergistic effect of structure modulation and heterojunction construction, TiO2/Bi2S3 composite photoanode obtained the optimal photocurrent density of 0.25 mA/cm2, which is 5 times that of pristine TiO2.