1
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Wei S, Xia X, Bi S, Hu S, Wu X, Hsu HY, Zou X, Huang K, Zhang DW, Sun Q, Bard AJ, Yu ET, Ji L. Metal-insulator-semiconductor photoelectrodes for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting. Chem Soc Rev 2024. [PMID: 38833171 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00820g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting provides a scalable and integrated platform to harness renewable solar energy for green hydrogen production. The practical implementation of PEC systems hinges on addressing three critical challenges: enhancing energy conversion efficiency, ensuring long-term stability, and achieving economic viability. Metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) heterojunction photoelectrodes have gained significant attention over the last decade for their ability to efficiently segregate photogenerated carriers and mitigate corrosion-induced semiconductor degradation. This review discusses the structural composition and interfacial intricacies of MIS photoelectrodes tailored for PEC water splitting. The application of MIS heterostructures across various semiconductor light-absorbing layers, including traditional photovoltaic-grade semiconductors, metal oxides, and emerging materials, is presented first. Subsequently, this review elucidates the reaction mechanisms and respective merits of vacuum and non-vacuum deposition techniques in the fabrication of the insulator layers. In the context of the metal layers, this review extends beyond the conventional scope, not only by introducing metal-based cocatalysts, but also by exploring the latest advancements in molecular and single-atom catalysts integrated within MIS photoelectrodes. Furthermore, a systematic summary of carrier transfer mechanisms and interface design principles of MIS photoelectrodes is presented, which are pivotal for optimizing energy band alignment and enhancing solar-to-chemical conversion efficiency within the PEC system. Finally, this review explores innovative derivative configurations of MIS photoelectrodes, including back-illuminated MIS photoelectrodes, inverted MIS photoelectrodes, tandem MIS photoelectrodes, and monolithically integrated wireless MIS photoelectrodes. These novel architectures address the limitations of traditional MIS structures by effectively coupling different functional modules, minimizing optical and ohmic losses, and mitigating recombination losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shice Wei
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xuewen Xia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Shuai Bi
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shen Hu
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Xuefeng Wu
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Hsien-Yi Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xingli Zou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China.
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Physics, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - David W Zhang
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Qinqqing Sun
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Allen J Bard
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 78713, USA
| | - Edward T Yu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 78758, USA.
| | - Li Ji
- School of Microelectronics & Jiashan Fudan Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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2
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Liu D, Kuang Y. Particle-Based Photoelectrodes for PEC Water Splitting: Concepts and Perspectives. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2311692. [PMID: 38619834 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting process, specifically focusing on the design, fabrication, and optimization of particle-based photoelectrodes for efficient green hydrogen production. These photoelectrodes, composed of semiconductor materials, potentially harness light energy and generate charge carriers, driving water oxidation and reduction reactions. The versatility of particle-based photoelectrodes as a platform for investigating and enhancing various semiconductor candidates is explored, particularly the emerging complex oxides with compelling charge transfer properties. However, the challenges presented by many factors influencing the performance and stability of these photoelectrodes, including particle size, shape, composition, morphology, surface modification, and electrode configuration, are highlighted. The review introduces the fundamental principles of semiconductor photoelectrodes for PEC water splitting, presents an exhaustive overview of different synthesis methods for semiconductor powders and their assembly into photoelectrodes, and discusses recent advances and challenges in photoelectrode material development. It concludes by offering promising strategies for improving photoelectrode performance and stability, such as the adoption of novel architectures and heterojunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1219 Zhongguan West Road, Ningbo, 315201, China
| | - Yongbo Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers Technology of Zhejiang Province, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1219 Zhongguan West Road, Ningbo, 315201, China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19(A)Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
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3
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Diederich J, Velasquez Rojas J, Zare Pour MA, Ruiz Alvarado IA, Paszuk A, Sciotto R, Höhn C, Schwarzburg K, Ostheimer D, Eichberger R, Schmidt WG, Hannappel T, van de Krol R, Friedrich D. Unraveling Electron Dynamics in p-type Indium Phosphide (100): A Time-Resolved Two-Photon Photoemission Study. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8949-8960. [PMID: 38501755 PMCID: PMC10996002 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Renewable ("green") hydrogen production through direct photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a potential key contributor to the sustainable energy mix of the future. We investigate the potential of indium phosphide (InP) as a reference material among III-V semiconductors for PEC and photovoltaic (PV) applications. The p(2 × 2)/c(4 × 2)-reconstructed phosphorus-terminated p-doped InP(100) (P-rich p-InP) surface is the focus of our investigation. We employ time-resolved two-photon photoemission (tr-2PPE) spectroscopy to study electronic states near the band gap with an emphasis on normally unoccupied conduction band states that are inaccessible through conventional single-photon emission methods. The study shows the complexity of the p-InP electronic band structure and reveals the presence of at least nine distinct states between the valence band edge and vacuum energy, including a valence band state, a surface defect state pinning the Fermi level, six unoccupied surface resonances within the conduction band, as well as a cluster of states about 1.6 eV above the CBM, identified as a bulk-to-surface transition. Furthermore, we determined the decay constants of five of the conduction band states, enabling us to track electron relaxation through the bulk and surface conduction bands. This comprehensive understanding of the electron dynamics in p-InP(100) lays the foundation for further exploration and surface engineering to enhance the properties and applications of p-InP-based III-V-compounds for, e.g., efficient and cost-effective PEC hydrogen production and highly efficient PV cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Diederich
- Institute
for Solar Fuels, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und
Energie GmbH, Berlin 14109, Germany
- Institut
für Chemie, Technische Universität
Berlin, Berlin 10623, Germany
| | - Jennifer Velasquez Rojas
- Institute
for Solar Fuels, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und
Energie GmbH, Berlin 14109, Germany
- Institut
für Chemie, Technische Universität
Berlin, Berlin 10623, Germany
| | | | | | - Agnieszka Paszuk
- Institut
für Physik, Technische Universität
Ilmenau, Ilmenau 98693, Germany
| | - Rachele Sciotto
- Lehrstuhl
für Theoretische Materialphysik, Universität Paderborn, Paderborn 33095, Germany
| | - Christian Höhn
- Institute
for Solar Fuels, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und
Energie GmbH, Berlin 14109, Germany
| | - Klaus Schwarzburg
- Institute
for Solar Fuels, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und
Energie GmbH, Berlin 14109, Germany
| | - David Ostheimer
- Institut
für Physik, Technische Universität
Ilmenau, Ilmenau 98693, Germany
| | - Rainer Eichberger
- Institute
for Solar Fuels, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und
Energie GmbH, Berlin 14109, Germany
- Institut
für Physik, Technische Universität
Ilmenau, Ilmenau 98693, Germany
| | - Wolf Gero Schmidt
- Lehrstuhl
für Theoretische Materialphysik, Universität Paderborn, Paderborn 33095, Germany
| | - Thomas Hannappel
- Institut
für Physik, Technische Universität
Ilmenau, Ilmenau 98693, Germany
| | - Roel van de Krol
- Institute
for Solar Fuels, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und
Energie GmbH, Berlin 14109, Germany
- Institut
für Chemie, Technische Universität
Berlin, Berlin 10623, Germany
| | - Dennis Friedrich
- Institute
for Solar Fuels, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und
Energie GmbH, Berlin 14109, Germany
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4
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Pan L, Dai L, Burton OJ, Chen L, Andrei V, Zhang Y, Ren D, Cheng J, Wu L, Frohna K, Abfalterer A, Yang TCJ, Niu W, Xia M, Hofmann S, Dyson PJ, Reisner E, Sirringhaus H, Luo J, Hagfeldt A, Grätzel M, Stranks SD. High carrier mobility along the [111] orientation in Cu 2O photoelectrodes. Nature 2024; 628:765-770. [PMID: 38658685 PMCID: PMC11043049 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07273-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Solar fuels offer a promising approach to provide sustainable fuels by harnessing sunlight1,2. Following a decade of advancement, Cu2O photocathodes are capable of delivering a performance comparable to that of photoelectrodes with established photovoltaic materials3-5. However, considerable bulk charge carrier recombination that is poorly understood still limits further advances in performance6. Here we demonstrate performance of Cu2O photocathodes beyond the state-of-the-art by exploiting a new conceptual understanding of carrier recombination and transport in single-crystal Cu2O thin films. Using ambient liquid-phase epitaxy, we present a new method to grow single-crystal Cu2O samples with three crystal orientations. Broadband femtosecond transient reflection spectroscopy measurements were used to quantify anisotropic optoelectronic properties, through which the carrier mobility along the [111] direction was found to be an order of magnitude higher than those along other orientations. Driven by these findings, we developed a polycrystalline Cu2O photocathode with an extraordinarily pure (111) orientation and (111) terminating facets using a simple and low-cost method, which delivers 7 mA cm-2 current density (more than 70% improvement compared to that of state-of-the-art electrodeposited devices) at 0.5 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode under air mass 1.5 G illumination, and stable operation over at least 120 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Pan
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Photomolecular Science, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Linjie Dai
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Oliver J Burton
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lu Chen
- Laboratory of Organometallic and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Virgil Andrei
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Youcheng Zhang
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Dan Ren
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jinshui Cheng
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials and Cells, Ministry of Education Engineering Research Centre of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Linxiao Wu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials and Cells, Ministry of Education Engineering Research Centre of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kyle Frohna
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna Abfalterer
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Terry Chien-Jen Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wenzhe Niu
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Meng Xia
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Hofmann
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul J Dyson
- Laboratory of Organometallic and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Erwin Reisner
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jingshan Luo
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, State Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials and Cells, Ministry of Education Engineering Research Centre of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology, Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Centre, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Anders Hagfeldt
- Laboratory of Photomolecular Science, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Michael Grätzel
- Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Samuel D Stranks
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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5
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Piszter G, Kertész K, Kovács D, Zámbó D, Baji Z, Illés L, Nagy G, Pap JS, Bálint Z, Biró LP. Spectral Engineering of Hybrid Biotemplated Photonic/Photocatalytic Nanoarchitectures. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12244490. [PMID: 36558345 PMCID: PMC9782751 DOI: 10.3390/nano12244490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Solar radiation is a cheap and abundant energy for water remediation, hydrogen generation by water splitting, and CO2 reduction. Supported photocatalysts have to be tuned to the pollutants to be eliminated. Spectral engineering may be a handy tool to increase the efficiency or the selectivity of these. Photonic nanoarchitectures of biological origin with hierarchical organization from nanometers to centimeters are candidates for such applications. We used the blue wing surface of laboratory-reared male Polyommatus icarus butterflies in combination with atomic layer deposition (ALD) of conformal ZnO coating and octahedral Cu2O nanoparticles (NP) to explore the possibilities of engineering the optical and catalytic properties of hybrid photonic nanoarchitectures. The samples were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and optical and scanning electron microscopy. Their photocatalytic performance was benchmarked by comparing the initial decomposition rates of rhodamine B. Cu2O NPs alone or on the butterfly wings, covered by a 5 nm thick layer of ZnO, showed poor performance. Butterfly wings, or ZnO coated butterfly wings with 15 nm ALD layer showed a 3 to 3.5 times enhancement as compared to bare glass. The best performance of almost 4.3 times increase was obtained for the wings conformally coated with 15 nm ZnO, deposited with Cu2O NPs, followed by conformal coating with an additional 5 nm of ZnO by ALD. This enhanced efficiency is associated with slow light effects on the red edge of the reflectance maximum of the photonic nanoarchitectures and with enhanced carrier separation through the n-type ZnO and the p-type Cu2O heterojunction. Properly chosen biologic photonic nanoarchitectures in combination with carefully selected photocatalyst(s) can significantly increase the photodegradation of pollutants in water under visible light illumination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Piszter
- Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly Thege Miklós St., 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztián Kertész
- Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly Thege Miklós St., 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Kovács
- Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly Thege Miklós St., 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Zámbó
- Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly Thege Miklós St., 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Baji
- Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly Thege Miklós St., 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Levente Illés
- Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly Thege Miklós St., 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Nagy
- Surface Chemistry and Catalysis Department, Institute for Energy Security and Environmental Safety, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly Thege Miklós St., 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Sándor Pap
- Surface Chemistry and Catalysis Department, Institute for Energy Security and Environmental Safety, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly Thege Miklós St., 1121 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Bálint
- Department of Zoology, Hungarian Natural History Museum, 13 Baross St., 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Péter Biró
- Institute of Technical Physics and Materials Science, Centre for Energy Research, 29-33 Konkoly Thege Miklós St., 1121 Budapest, Hungary
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6
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Chen R, Ren Z, Liang Y, Zhang G, Dittrich T, Liu R, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Pang S, An H, Ni C, Zhou P, Han K, Fan F, Li C. Spatiotemporal imaging of charge transfer in photocatalyst particles. Nature 2022; 610:296-301. [PMID: 36224420 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05183-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The water-splitting reaction using photocatalyst particles is a promising route for solar fuel production1-4. Photo-induced charge transfer from a photocatalyst to catalytic surface sites is key in ensuring photocatalytic efficiency5; however, it is challenging to understand this process, which spans a wide spatiotemporal range from nanometres to micrometres and from femtoseconds to seconds6-8. Although the steady-state charge distribution on single photocatalyst particles has been mapped by microscopic techniques9-11, and the charge transfer dynamics in photocatalyst aggregations have been revealed by time-resolved spectroscopy12,13, spatiotemporally evolving charge transfer processes in single photocatalyst particles cannot be tracked, and their exact mechanism is unknown. Here we perform spatiotemporally resolved surface photovoltage measurements on cuprous oxide photocatalyst particles to map holistic charge transfer processes on the femtosecond to second timescale at the single-particle level. We find that photogenerated electrons are transferred to the catalytic surface quasi-ballistically through inter-facet hot electron transfer on a subpicosecond timescale, whereas photogenerated holes are transferred to a spatially separated surface and stabilized through selective trapping on a microsecond timescale. We demonstrate that these ultrafast-hot-electron-transfer and anisotropic-trapping regimes, which challenge the classical perception of a drift-diffusion model, contribute to the efficient charge separation in photocatalysis and improve photocatalytic performance. We anticipate that our findings will be used to illustrate the universality of other photoelectronic devices and facilitate the rational design of photocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruotian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, iChEM, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Zefeng Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Yu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guanhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Thomas Dittrich
- Helmholtz-Center Berlin for Materials and Energy GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Runze Liu
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, iChEM, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Shan Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, iChEM, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Hongyu An
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, iChEM, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Chenwei Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, iChEM, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Panwang Zhou
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Keli Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Reaction Dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.,Institute of Molecular Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengtao Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, iChEM, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China.
| | - Can Li
- State Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Dalian National Laboratory for Clean Energy, iChEM, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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7
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Shibuta M, Nakajima A. Spectroscopic imaging of photoexcited states at a polycrystalline copper metal surface via two-photon photoelectron emission microscopy. Chem Phys Lett 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2022.139909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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8
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Sequeda IN, Meléndez AM. Understanding the Role of Copper Vacancies in Photoelectrochemical CO 2 Reduction on Cuprous Oxide. J Phys Chem Lett 2022; 13:3667-3673. [PMID: 35438506 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c00751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Controlling the electronic and photoexcited properties of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) through slight modifications of the synthesis method can impact a wide range of emerging technologies. Herein, we consider copper vacancies in Cu2O as a prototype of a p-type oxide semiconductor for studying the impact of crystal and electronic structure on carbon dioxide photoreduction. Oriented films of copper vacancy modulated Cu2O consisting of nano twin structures are electrodeposited by changing the potential in an aqueous alkaline copper(II)-lactate solution. The copper vacancies introduce tail states inside the band gap, improving the hole concentration and facilitating the charge separation and transfer in the Cu2O photocathode. This study gives an in-depth view of how a cation-deficient structure regulates and promotes photoelectrochemical activity toward CO2 reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid N Sequeda
- Center for Scientific and Technological Research in Materials and Nanosciences (CMN), Universidad Industrial de Santander, Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia, C.P. 681011
| | - Angel M Meléndez
- Center for Scientific and Technological Research in Materials and Nanosciences (CMN), Universidad Industrial de Santander, Piedecuesta, Santander, Colombia, C.P. 681011
- School of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia, C.P. 680002
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9
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Modeling for Generating Femtosecond Pulses in an Er-Doped Fiber Using Externally Controlled Spectral Broadening and Compression Mechanisms. PHOTONICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/photonics9040205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A model for generating femtosecond laser pulses from a low-power mode-locked laser of moderate temporal half-width was proposed. This was achieved by injecting the pulse into a single-mode inverted-populated Er-doped fiber where self-focusing and absorption were avoided. To initiate spectral broadening, the pulse was phase-modulated by subjecting a part of the fiber to an electric field of suitable intensity and frequency generated into a circular capacitor. To stimulate temporal compression, the phase-modulated pulse was introduced into a combination of two prism sets located symmetrically with respect to the x-axis. After passing the pulse through the first prism set, its spectral components were spatially separated in the y-axis. The spectral phases were manipulated by redirecting the spectral components through a slab cross-section that was subjected to a spatially modulated DC electric field. After passing the slab, the pulse is directed into the second prism set, where the spectral components were spatially overlapped and propagated outside the compressor with the same slope and dimension as before entering the compressor. Constructive super positioning of the phase-manipulated spectral components gave maximum intensity only at a specified location.
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10
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Chen B, Zhang J, Yu J, Wang R, He B, Jin J, Wang H, Gong Y. Rational design of all-solid-state TiO 2-x/Cu/ZnO Z-scheme heterojunction via ALD-assistance for enhanced photocatalytic activity. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 607:760-768. [PMID: 34534767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Poor visible light utilization and charge separation efficiency of TiO2 restrict its extensive application in the photocatalytic field. Herein, a specific Z-scheme TiO2-x/Cu/ZnO heterojunction was successfully constructed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique and spray pyrolysis technology. Benefited from the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect of Cu and Z-scheme heterojunction, the visible light absorption capacity was greatly enhanced. Meanwhile, ZnO nanolayer coating, prepared by ALD technique, protects Cu element to hinder its oxidation, thus enhancing the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers. Therefore, the photocatalytic hydrogen production performance was significant improved, exhibiting a maximum value of 342.0 µmol·g-1·h-1 for the optimal B-T-0.1C-10Z (black TiO2/0.1Cu/10 nm ZnO) sample without any noble-metal cocatalyst, which is higher than pure TiO2 (310.7 µmol·g-1·h-1, with 3 wt% Pt) synthesized by spray pyrolysis method under equal conditions. In addition, a possible mechanism for the enhanced performance was briefly discussed based on the experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Chen
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Jing Yu
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Rui Wang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Beibei He
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Jun Jin
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Huanwen Wang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | - Yansheng Gong
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, PR China.
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11
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Grad L, Novotny Z, Hengsberger M, Osterwalder J. Influence of surface defect density on the ultrafast hot carrier relaxation and transport in [Formula: see text] photoelectrodes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10686. [PMID: 32606451 PMCID: PMC7327060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuprous oxide ([Formula: see text]) is a promising material for photoelectrochemical energy conversion due to its small direct band gap, high absorbance, and its Earth-abundant constituents. High conversion efficiencies require transport of photoexcited charges to the interface without energy loss. We studied the electron dynamics in [Formula: see text](111) by time-resolved two-photon photoemission for different surface defect densities in order to elucidate the influence on charge carrier transport. On the pristine bulk terminated surface, the principal conduction bands could be resolved, and ultrafast, elastic transport of electrons to the surface was observed. On a reconstructed surface the carrier transport is strongly suppressed and defect states dominate the spectra. Evidence for surface oxygen vacancies acting as efficient carrier traps is provided, what is important for further engineering of [Formula: see text] based photoelectrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Grad
- Department of Physics, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zbynek Novotny
- Department of Physics, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
- Paul Scherrer Institute, Forschungsstrasse 111, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Hengsberger
- Department of Physics, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Osterwalder
- Department of Physics, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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12
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Jaegermann W, Kaiser B, Finger F, Smirnov V, Schäfer R. Design Considerations of Efficient Photo-Electrosynthetic Cells and its Realization Using Buried Junction Si Thin Film Multi Absorber Cells. Z PHYS CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/zpch-2019-1584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
As is obvious from previous work on semiconductor photoelectrochemistry, single junction semiconductors do not provide either the required maximum photovoltage or a high photocurrent for solar water splitting, which is required for efficient stand-alone devices. From these experiences we conclude, that multi-junction devices must be developed for bias-free water splitting. In this article we present our design considerations needed for the development of efficient photo-electro-synthetic cells, which have guided us during the DFG priority program 1613. At first, we discuss the fundamental requirements, which must be fulfilled to lead to effective solar water splitting devices. Buried junction and photoelectrochemical arrangements are compared. It will become clear, that the photovoltaic (PV) and electrochemical (EC) components can be optimized separately, but that maximized conversion efficiencies need photovoltages produced in the photovoltaic part of the device, which are adapted to the electrochemical performance of the electrolyzer components without energetic losses in their coupling across the involved interfaces. Therefore, in part 2 we will present the needs to develop appropriate interface engineering layers for proper chemical and electronic surface passivation. In addition, highly efficient electrocatalysts, either for the hydrogen or oxygen evolution reaction (HER, OER), must be adjusted in their energetic coupling to the semiconductor band edges and to the redox potentials in the electrolyte with minimized losses in the chemical potentials. The third part of our paper describes at first the demands and achievements on developing multijunction thin-film silicon solar cells. With different arrangements of silicon stacks a wide range of photovoltages and photocurrents can be provided. These solar cells are applied as photocathodes in integrated directly coupled PV-EC devices. For this purpose thin Pt and Ni catalyst layers are used on top of the solar cells for the HER and a wire connected RuO2 counter electrode is used for the OER. Electrochemical stability has been successfully tested for up to 10,000 s in 0.1 M KOH. Furthermore, we will illustrate our experimental results on interface engineering strategies using TiO2 as buffer layer and Pt nanostructures as HER catalyst. Based on the obtained results the observed improvements, but also the still given limitations, can be related to clearly identified non-idealities in surface engineering either related to recombination losses at the semiconductor surface reducing photocurrents or due to not properly-aligned energy states leading to potential losses across the interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfram Jaegermann
- Institut für Materialwissenschaften der Technischen Universität Darmstadt , Otto-Berndt-Straße 3, 64287 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Bernhard Kaiser
- Institut für Materialwissenschaften der Technischen Universität Darmstadt , Otto-Berndt-Straße 3, 64287 Darmstadt , Germany
| | - Friedhelm Finger
- IEK-5 Photovoltaik, Forschungszentrum Jülich , D-52425 Jülich , Germany
| | - Vladimir Smirnov
- IEK-5 Photovoltaik, Forschungszentrum Jülich , D-52425 Jülich , Germany
| | - Rolf Schäfer
- Eduard-Zintl-Institut für Anorganische und Physikalische Chemie der Technischen Universität Darmstadt , Alarich-Weiss-Straße 8, 64287 Darmstadt , Germany
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13
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Hirst J, Müller S, Peeters D, Sadlo A, Mai L, Reyes OM, Friedrich D, Mitoraj D, Devi A, Beranek R, Eichberger R. Comparative Study of Photocarrier Dynamics in CVD-deposited CuWO4, CuO, and WO3 Thin Films for Photoelectrocatalysis. Z PHYS CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1515/zpch-2019-1485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The temporal evolution of photogenerated carriers in CuWO4, CuO and WO3 thin films deposited via a direct chemical vapor deposition approach was studied using time-resolved microwave conductivity and terahertz spectroscopy to obtain the photocarrier lifetime, mobility and diffusion length. The carrier transport properties of the films prepared by varying the copper-to-tungsten stoichiometry were compared and the results related to the performance of the compositions built into respective photoelectrochemical cells. Superior carrier mobility was observed for CuWO4 under frontside illumination.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Hirst
- Institute for Solar Fuels , Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH , Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1 , 14109 Berlin , Germany
| | - Sönke Müller
- Institute for Solar Fuels , Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH , Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1 , 14109 Berlin , Germany
| | - Daniel Peeters
- Inorganic Materials Chemistry , Ruhr University Bochum , Universitätsstr. 150 , 44780 Bochum , Germany
| | - Alexander Sadlo
- Inorganic Materials Chemistry , Ruhr University Bochum , Universitätsstr. 150 , 44780 Bochum , Germany
| | - Lukas Mai
- Inorganic Materials Chemistry , Ruhr University Bochum , Universitätsstr. 150 , 44780 Bochum , Germany
| | - Oliver Mendoza Reyes
- Institute of Electrochemistry , Ulm University , Albert-Einstein-Allee 47 , 89069 Ulm , Germany
| | - Dennis Friedrich
- Institute for Solar Fuels , Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH , Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1 , 14109 Berlin , Germany
| | - Dariusz Mitoraj
- Institute of Electrochemistry , Ulm University , Albert-Einstein-Allee 47 , 89069 Ulm , Germany
| | - Anjana Devi
- Inorganic Materials Chemistry , Ruhr University Bochum , Universitätsstr. 150 , 44780 Bochum , Germany
| | - Radim Beranek
- Institute of Electrochemistry , Ulm University , Albert-Einstein-Allee 47 , 89069 Ulm , Germany
| | - Rainer Eichberger
- Institute for Solar Fuels , Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH , Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1 , 14109 Berlin , Germany
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