Omnidirectional Au-embedded ZnO/CdS core/shell nanorods for enhanced photoelectrochemical water-splitting efficiency

Omnidirectional Au nanoparticle-embedded ZnO/CdS core/shell heterostructures were fabricated on ITO substrates for photoelectrochemical water-splitting photoelectrodes by combining electrospinning, hydrothermal treatment, photoreduction and chemical bath deposition. The obtained omnidirectional heterostructures harvested solar light efficiently, provided good electrical conductivity, and enhanced the charge transfer between CdS and ZnO that eventually enhanced photoconversion efficiency. The charge transfer mechanism that enhanced the photoconversion efficiency of omnidirectional Au-embedded ZnO/CdS core/shell nanorods.