Abstract:
The use of thin films consisting of TiO2 and reduced graphene oxide (TiO2–rGO) in solar
harnessing devices is gaining momentum thanks to improved charge-transporting characteristics.
In this report, we propose a facile spin-coating methodology for the deposition of crack-free and
thickness-controllable TiO2–rGO thin films. A range of characterization techniques were utilized
to confirm the formation of the TiO2–rGO thin film. Improved charge-transporting properties of
TiO2–rGO composite thin films were confirmed by measuring their photoelectrochemical (PEC)
activity under simulated solar light illumination. In particular, it was found that the TiO2–rGO
composite thin film yielded a better photocurrent response (~151.3 µA/cm2
) than the bare TiO2
thin
film (~71.6 µA/cm2
) at 1.23 eV vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). The obtained results
suggested that rGO addition remarkably improves the charge-transporting properties in TiO2 films.