Fabrication of ZnO@Ag(3)PO(4) Core-Shell Nanocomposite Arrays as Photoanodes and Their Photoelectric Properties

In this study, we combine the methods of magnetron sputtering, hydrothermal growth, and stepwise deposition to prepare novel ZnO@Ag(3)PO(4) core-shell nanocomposite arrays structure. Through scanning electron microscope (SEM) topography test, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) element test and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) component test, we characterize the morphology, element distribution and structural characteristics of ZnO@Ag(3)PO(4) core-shell nanocomposite arrays structure. At the same time, we test the samples for light reflectance, hydrophilicity and photoelectric performance. We find that after deposition of Ag(3)PO(4) on ZnO nanorods, light reflectance decreases. As the time of depositions increases, light reflectance gradually decreases. After the deposition of Ag(3)PO(4), the surface of the sample shows super hydrophilicity, which is beneficial for the photoelectric performance test. Through the optical transient response test, we find that the photo-generated current reaches a maximum when a small amount of Ag(3)PO(4) is deposited. As the time of depositions of Ag(3)PO(4) increases, the photogenerated current gradually decreases. Finally, we conducted an alternating current (AC) impedance test and also verified the correctness of the photocurrent test. Therefore, the structure is expected to be prepared into a photoanode for use in fields such as solar cells.