Bicomponent WO 3 / TiO2 Films as Photoelectrodes

An analysis of the capability of porous tungsten trioxide films as a material for photocurrent generation was performed. The photogeneration properties of single-component WO{sub 3} and TiO{sub 2} films and bicomponent WO{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} films were compared. The morphology, structure, fundamental absorption edge, flatband potential, vibration spectra, and photocurrent response of the amorphous WO{sub 3} films and nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} films were measured. The authors found that in bicomponent WO{sub 3}/TiO{sub 2} films, the porous films of the tungsten trioxide with a high open surface area can serve as substrates for nanocrystalline TiO{sub 2} films to increase the efficiency of photocurrent generation at bandgap excitation.