CdS nanowire-modified 3D graphene foam for high-performance photo-electrochemical anode

A photo-electrochemical photo-anode of CdS-modified graphene foam (GF) was prepared by chemical vapor deposition method. The interconnected 3D scaffold network of the as-prepared CdS-modified GF composite not only facilitates the separation of photo-generated charge carrier, but also provides a direct pathway for charge transport in the conductive network, resulting in the enhanced photo-current response. Experimental results confirm that the deposition of the CdS nanowires (NWs) makes a major contribution to improving the photo-current density of as-prepared CdS NWs/GF photo-anode, which reaches a high value of 55 mA/cm(2) with clear light-on and - off. Meanwhile, the PEC reaction leads to the photo-corrosion of CdS NWs/GF photo-anode, resulting in the prominent decrease of photo-current density during the photo-electrochemical reactions. Such a CdS-modified 3D GF photo-anode with impressive photovoltaic properties provides a promising platform for photo-electrochemical applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.