Abstract
Here we report on a novel approach for the synthesis of vertically aligned hexagonal ZnO nanotube arrays. Ring-like structures were formed on substrate using the polymer-based seeding solution through the Marangoni mechanism, guiding the growth of ZnO nanotubes with aqueous chemical bath deposition. Photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation by water splitting on a ZnO nanotube anode is about three times as efficient as that on a similar ZnO nanorod anode.
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•First time using Marangoni ring-structured template for synthesising ZnO NTs.•Ring structures are formed with the presence of PVA in the seeding solution.•The PEC water splitting of ZnO NTs is three times more efficient than NRs.•0.45% of AM1.5G efficiency and 9% UV efficiency were achieved by ZnO NTs.