Enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production via optimised ZnO–SnO2 thin films: the role of sputtering conditions
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ZnO – SnO2 films were deposited using a sputtering technique, with variations in the working pressure and resilience time during heat treatment. The synergy between the power density used for Sn deposition and the working pressure facilitated the formation of different crystalline phases of Sn, including tetragonal and orthorhombic SnO2, face-centered tetragonal Sn, tetragonal SnO, and Zn2SnO4. Variations in the working pressure and resilience time affect the presence of defects and impurities in the ZnO – SnO2 films, thereby influencing their photocatalytic hydrogen production capabilities. The highest hydrogen production was observed in films containing several defects related to oxygen vacancies, oxygen vacancies in SnO2 , and emissions at deep levels, as confirmed by photoluminescence measurements. These emissions are favored by the intermediate states formed between the valence and conduction bands of the semiconductor, acting as electron traps or recombination centers, which enhance the photocatalytic performance of the ZnO – SnO2 films.
Source: Figshare
Authors: Cruz, M. R. Alfaro, Saldaña-Ramírez, A., Juárez-Ramírez, I., Torres-Martínez, L. M.
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6902287870
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