Enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of tungsten oxide film by bifunctional Au nanoparticles

Abstract

In the present study, Au nanoparticles were used to improve the photoelectrochemical performance of tungsten oxide film. Our study indicated that the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the Au nanoparticles at about 560 nm wavelength extended the light adsorption of the WO₃ film. Mott–Schottky measurements and theoretical calculations determined that an inner electric field is built at the Au/WO₃ interface through electronic transfer from Au to WO₃. The measured photocurrent density and quantum efficiency results indicated that the synergistic effect of SPR and the inner electric field improved the PEC performance of the Au/WO₃ photoelectrodes. However, the load of Au nanoparticles should be carefully considered due to the introduction of the surface recombined centers. The present study provides a reasonable understanding of the effects of the Au nanoparticles on the PEC performance of the WO₃ film.