Photoelectrode Properties of Nanocomposite Thin Films Based on Interfacing Nanosized Noble Metal and TiO[sub 2]

Abstract

The nanocomposite thin films were deposited on quartz and indium-tin oxide glass substrates using a cosputtering method. in rutile form is a dominant crystalline phase for as-deposited nanocomposite films. Along with heat-treatment to 600°C, X-ray diffraction peaks of the rutile phase as well as peaks of noble metal increased in intensity and decreased in width, indicating the growth of crystallites. Gold and platinum crystallites after this heat-treatment measured 9.1 and 15.3 nm, respectively. From the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results, Au and Pt existed as a metallic phase in the bulk of the matrix. The anodic photocurrents of thin films were observed not only in the UV range but also in the visible light range. © 2002 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.