Improved photoanodes for photoelectrolysis

Photocurrents of the oxide semiconductors n-type titanium dioxide and n-type iron oxide in aqueous electrolyte have been improved by deposition of an oxygen evolution catalyst (platinum, rhodium) onto the semiconductor. In addition, the photocurrents of titanium dioxide can also be improved by optimization of the carrier density of the electrode upon passing sequences of anodic and cathodic currents. We demonstrated a negative shift in flat-band potential of titanium dioxide in the presence of dextrose in the electrolyte solution.