Improving the photo-cathodic properties of TiO2 nano-structures with graphdiynes

Graphdiyne (GD) nanoscale films were initially synthesised on copper foils and its oxide form, GD oxide (GDO) obtained by subsequent oxidation of purified GD. Hybrid nanocomposites of both GD and GDO with hydrothermally grown TiO2 nanorods were prepared by various methods, and their photo-electrochemical (PEC) properties were studied. Both the systems were found to perform as an improved photo-cathodic material with GDO found to have superior PEC properties.