Abstract
We report the rational synthesis design and characterization of defect free growth of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire arrays on ITO substrate for hydrogen generation through photoelectrochemical water splitting. In comparison to ZnO nanowires synthesized by using conventional hydrothermal method, the ZnO nanowires synthesized by special design in which substrate is suspended upside down in the Teflon autoclave show significantly improved photocurrent in the entire potential window. Moreover, ZnO nanowires synthesized by special design have low photocurrent saturation potentials as compared to ZnO nanowires synthesized by using conventional hydrothermal method indicating very efficient charge separation and transportation. These results suggest ample potential of defect free ZnO nanowire arrays in PEC water splitting applications.