Hybrid nanostructured Copper(II) phthalocyanine/TiO₂ films with efficient photoelectrochemical performance

Novel hybrid tetra-nitro-phthalocyanine Copper(II) (TNCuPc)/TiO₂ films were successfully synthesized using a simple hydrothermal and solvothermal method. The successful deposition of TNCuPc on the TiO₂ nanorods was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The precursor concentration for hydrothermal deposition of TiO₂ was optimized for light absorption and photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The hierarchical nanostructure exhibited increased light absorption ability and enhanced PEC properties. Moreover, the concentration of the precursor solution for TNCuPc deposition was also optimized for the performance of the TNCuPc/TiO₂ hybrid nanostructure. The optimal sample achieved the highest photocurrent of 1.1 mA cm⁻² and the highest IPCE of 51% at 610 nm.