Sensitization of AgInS2 nanoparticles enhances photoelectrochemical water splitting performance of CeO2 nanosheet arrays photoanode

In this study, we present a promising CeO 2 /AgInS 2 heterostructure photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water decomposition. Mott-Schottky analysis is employed to confirm the formation of a type-II heterostructure between AgInS 2 nanoparticles and CeO 2 nanosheet arrays (NSAs) fabricated through electrochemical deposition and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoluminescence analysis, and Bode diagram spectroscopy confirm the effective charge carrier separation and significantly prolonged the charge lifetime of the CeO 2 /AgInS 2 heterojunction photoanode. Consequently, the maximum photocurrent density of the constructed CeO 2 /AgInS 2 photoanode relative to Ag/AgCl under zero bias test conditions is 69.8 times higher than the pure CeO 2 NSAs. Additionally, the charge transfer mechanism is further verified by the calculated work function and differential charge density of CeO 2 /AgInS 2 heterojunction. This study provides a valuable reference for the synthesis and preparation of heterojunction photoanode for efficient PEC water decomposition.