Scanning transmission X-ray spectromicroscopy: a nanotool to probe hematite nanorods for solar water splitting

We report a scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) study of hematite nanorods, prototypical photoanode used in solar water splitting. Hematite nanorods were obtained by hydrothermal growth from aqueous solutions using FeCl3 as precursor. Potentials for onset of water splitting are smaller using this synthesis method, compared to values reported for hematite photoanodes obtained by epitaxial growth. STXM revealed the presence of a …