Flexible, polymer-supported, ZnO nanorod array photoelectrodes for PEC water splitting applications

Abstract An innovative ZnO based flexible photoelectrode was prepared on the micropatterned poly (urethane acrylate) (PUA) for efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting application. The micropatterned PUA was fabricated by the mold transfer process. A thin layer of Indium Tin Oxide was deposited on the PUA surface to give it surface conductivity and subsequently, one dimensional ZnO nanorods (NRs) arrays were prepared by a facile seed layer and hydrothermal method. The photocurrent density of the photoanode of ZnO NRs arrays deposited on the micropatterned PUA (ZPM) was ~0.52 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE, which was ~3 times higher compared to that of ZnO NRs arrays deposited on the flat PUA (ZPF). The improved performance of the ZPM photoanode was attributed to the enhanced light capture capacity, excellent carrier collection ability, lower charge transfer resistance, and higher electrochemically active surface area.