Vertically aligned Cu-ZnO nanorod arrays for water splitting applications

[Display omitted] •One step synthesis was adapted to grow vertically aligned nanorod arrays.•Enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of 0.349 ± 0.2% was achieved.•Highest photon conversion efficiency (PCE) of 0.349 ± 0.2% was achieved. Vertically aligned Cu-ZnO nanorod arrays were grown using thermal deposition method. Optimum Cu-ZnO and morphology tailoring effect was investigated. Enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) activity (0.92 ± 0.2 mA/cm2) and high photon conversion efficiency (PCE) (0.3490 ± 0.2%) was observed for 5 wt% Cu-ZnO. Cu optimum dopant with ZnO lattice is a promising PEC candidate for water splitting applications.