journal article·2025-12-31Open access

Graphene Oxide–Enamino-Xanthene Charge-Transfer Hybrids as High-Performance Sensitizing Interfaces for TiO 2 Photoanodes

Carlos Martínez-Barón, Juan Manuel Garrido-Zoido, Miguel Á. Álvarez Sánchez, Pedro Cintas, Juan C. Palacios, Alejandro Ansón-Casaos, María Victoria Gil, Ana M. Benito, Wolfgang K. Maser

Abstract

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Hybrid materials that combine visible-light absorption with efficient charge separation across interfaces are essential for advancing photoelectrochemical (PEC) energy conversion technologies. In this study, we report the synthesis of charge-transfer hybrids composed of graphene oxide (GO) and enamino-xanthene (NH 2 -X) dyes, prepared via a simple and sustainable liquid-phase mixing approach. Spectroscopic analyses reveal strong interface interactions between GO and NH 2 -X, leading to suppressed fluorescence and altered electronic transitions, consistent with ground-state charge-transfer processes. When interfaced with TiO 2 as a sensitizing layer, the resulting photoanodes deliver a 3.5-fold enhancement in photocurrent, faster saturation kinetics, and improved photopotential generation under visible-light illumination. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirms reduced interface resistance and enhanced charge carrier mobility at both solid–solid and solid–liquid interfaces. The synergistic integration of GO and NH 2 -X establishes a high-performance sensitizing interface for TiO 2 photoanodes, offering a scalable and environmentally benign route toward advanced PEC applications.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: TiO2 Photocatalysis and Solar Cells · Carbon and Quantum Dots Applications · Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Instituto de Carboquímica, ICB-CSIC

Departamento de Química Orgánica e Inorgánica, Facultad de Ciencias, and Instituto del Agua, Cambio Climático y Sostenibilidad (IACYS)

Universidad de Extremadura

Funding

Gobierno de Arag?n · European Regional Development Fund · Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnolog?a e Innovaci?n · Junta de Extremadura

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