Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Activity Realized from WS2 Thin Films Prepared by RF-Magnetron Sputtering for Water Splitting

Ladhane, S and Shah, S and Shinde, P and Punde, A and Waghmare, A and Hase, Y and Bade, BR and Doiphode, V and Rahane, SN and Kale, D and Rondiya, SR and Prasad, M and Patole, SP and Jadkar, SR (2024) Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Activity Realized from WS2 Thin Films Prepared by RF-Magnetron Sputtering for Water Splitting. In: ChemElectroChem .

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Abstract

We report the synthesis of tungsten sulfide (WS2) films using RF-magnetron sputtering at different RF powers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data confirm the hexagonal crystal structure of WS2 with an average crystallite size of �44.54 à . With increased RF power, the preferred orientation of WS2 crystallites shifts from (002) to (100). Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) was used to assess the Photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity of WS2 films. The film deposited at 150 W demonstrated the highest photocurrent density of 5.44 mA/cm2. The 150 W film also showed a lower Tafel slope of �0.374 V/decade, indicating superior PEC activity. Mott Schottky's (MS) analysis revealed a notable shift in the flat band potential towards the negative side, suggesting a shifting of the Fermi level towards the conduction band. WS2 film grown at 150 W demonstrated a majority charge carrier density of 6.2�1021 cm�3 and a depletion layer width of 1.54 nm. The observed low charge transfer resistance of 155 Ω contributed to the enhanced PEC activity with a relaxation time constant of 37 ms. These properties suggest that WS2 can be suitable for PEC water splitting. © 2024 The Authors. ChemElectroChem published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	ChemElectroChem
Publisher:	John Wiley and Sons Inc
Additional Information:	The copyright for this article belongs to author.
Keywords:	Charge transfer; Crystal structure; Crystallite size; Magnetron sputtering; Photoelectrochemical cells; Sulfur compounds; Tungsten compounds, Hexagonal crystal structure; Photoelectrochemical activity; Photoelectrochemicals; Preferred orientations; R.F. magnetron sputtering; RF power; Thin-films; Water splitting; WS2 thin film; X-ray diffraction data, Thin films
Department/Centre:	Division of Mechanical Sciences > Materials Engineering (formerly Metallurgy)
Date Deposited:	15 May 2024 04:47
Last Modified:	15 May 2024 04:47
URI:	https://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/84483

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