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Optimization of the photoactivity of conducting polymer covered ZnO nanorod composite electrodes

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Abstract

A simple, reproducible, one-step electrochemical synthesis of vertically aligned ZnO nanorod electrode has been worked out. The gradual decrease in the photoelectrochemical performance of the hexagonal ZnO nanorod electrode indicated rapid photodegradation. In order to prevent the n-type semiconductor from photocorrosion, different conducting polymers were deposited on it. Composition and morphology of the hybrids were controlled by carefully changing the electropolymerization parameter (e.g., deposition charge) for the various N or S containing heterocycles. Electrochemical measurements proved that the redox activity of these covering polymer layers was preserved in the hybrid configuration. Photoelectrochemical activity of the polymer-covered ZnO nanorods was masked by thicker layers. Thin films however, successfully inhibited the photocorrosion of ZnO while preserving their photoactivity. Effective protection was evidenced using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxypyrrole) (PEDOP) in comparison with polypyrrole (PPy) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT).

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA) for financial support (Project number: OTKA 105773). This research was partially realized in the frames of TÁMOP 4.2.4. A/2-11-1-2012-0001 “National Excellence Program – Elaborating and operating an inland student and researcher personal support system.” This work was also supported by National Development Agency, through the project “TÁMOP-4.2.2.A-11/1/KONV-2012-0047 Biological and Environmental Responses by new functional materials.”

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Chemistry and Materials Science, University of Szeged, Rerrich Sq. 1, Szeged, Hungary

    Emese Peintler Krivan, Ditta Ungor, Csaba Janáky & Csaba Visy

  2. Department of Applied and Environmental Chemistry, University of Szeged, Rerrich Sq. 1, Szeged, Hungary

    Zoltán Németh

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  1. Emese Peintler Krivan
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  2. Ditta Ungor
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Correspondence to Csaba Visy.

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This paper is dedicated to Professor Lothar Dunsch in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the understanding of the redox properties of conducting polymers.

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Krivan, E.P., Ungor, D., Janáky, C. et al. Optimization of the photoactivity of conducting polymer covered ZnO nanorod composite electrodes. J Solid State Electrochem 19, 37–44 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-014-2587-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10008-014-2587-8

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