Controlled synthesis of ultra-thin TiO₂ wrapped on CdSe core for stable and efficient hydrogen production under visible light irradiation

Metal chalcogenide based semiconductor nanostructures are a promising candidate for photocatalytic or photoelectrocatalytic hydrogen generation. However, upon light absorption by metal chalcogenides generates photo-electrons and holes thus involved in redox reactions and any unutilized excitons destabilize the CdSe into ions that remain a grand challenge. My talk will elaborate the synthesis of one-dimensional capsule shaped CdSe nanostructure through surfactant mediated approach. In order to protect CdSe from photocorrosion, a layer of TiO₂ wrapped (shell) onto CdSe (core) nanocapsule via the post-synthesis process. The morphology studies confirm that a thin amorphous TiO₂ shell (3-8 nm) wrapped in all the three directions onto CdSe core and thickness of the shell can be controlled through modulating titania precursor concentration. My talk will facilitate the young scientists to design and develop highly efficient photocatalyst systems to realize the potential application for H₂ fuel production