Photocatalytic optimization of ZnO-Ga2O3 composite thin films for PEC water splitting: effects of thickness, environment, and annealing temperature
Tezekbay Y. Duisebayev T. Taubaldiyeva Z. Abduvalov A. Nuraje N. Toktarbaiuly O.
1 August 2025Royal Society of Chemistry
RSC Advances
2025#15Issue 3427586 - 27593 pp.
This study reports a systematic investigation into the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of Ga2O3/ZnO (GZO) composite thin films fabricated via RF magnetron sputtering. GZO films were deposited on FTO/Glass and titanium (Ti) foil substrates, with key fabrication parameters - namely deposition time, annealing gas atmosphere, and annealing temperature - systematically varied to optimize photocatalytic activity. Surface morphology and crystallinity were evaluated using SEM and XRD, respectively, revealing that both deposition time and annealing conditions significantly influence grain structure and crystallinity, which in turn affect PEC performance. Among the tested conditions, films deposited for 25 minutes and annealed in air exhibited optimal performance, with annealing at 600 °C on Ti foil substrates yielding the highest photocurrent density of 1.7 × 10−4 A cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) confirmed improved charge transfer properties at this temperature, although stability testing indicated potential trade-offs between performance and long-term durability. These findings highlight the critical role of thermal and atmospheric control during post-deposition treatment in tailoring the structural and electronic properties of GZO thin films. The optimized GZO photoanodes demonstrate strong potential for low-cost, efficient, and scalable solar hydrogen production, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies.
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Renewable Energy Laboratory, National Laboratory Astana (NLA), Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Physics, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Renewable Energy Laboratory
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Department of Physics
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