Facile Fabrication of Network-Like Au/ZnO Nanowire Hetero-Arrays for Improved Photoelectrochemical and Supercapacitor Properties

In this study, we have fabricated network-like Au/ZnO nanowire arrays with special space structure using a simple photo-reduction method. The morphology and photoelectrochemical property of the network-like Au/ZnO nanowire arrays could be controlled by changing the reaction parameters such as the photo-reduction time and concentration of reagents. Moreover, their photoelectrochemical and supercapacitor performances have also been performed, revealing that the network-like Au/ZnO nanowire arrays possesses a much higher photocurrent density than the pure ZnO nanowire arrays. The enhanced photoelectrochemical performances could be originated from the surface plasmon resonance within Au nanostructure and the special space structure of network-like Au/ZnO nanowire arrays. The network-like Au/ZnO nanowire hetero-arrays electrodes have been fabricated by a facile photo-reduction method. Benefiting from the special reticular structure, network-like Au nanorods/ZnO nanowire arrays (Au NR/ZnO NWA) has a much higher photocurrent density and specific capacitance than that of ZnO nanowire arrays (ZnO NWA) and Au nanoparticles/ZnO nanowire arrays (Au NP/ZnO NWA). The enhanced PEC and supercapacitor properties have also been investigated detailedly. [GRAPHICS]