Surface modifications of chalcopyrite CuInS2thin films for photochatodes in photoelectrochemical water splitting under sunlight irradiation

Recent Advances in CuInS2-Based Photocathodes for Photoelectrochemical H2 Evolution

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) H₂ production from water using solar energy is an ideal and environmentally friendly process. CuInS₂ is a p-type semiconductor that offers many advantages for PEC H₂ production. Therefore, this review summarizes studies on CuInS₂-based PEC cells designed for H₂ production. The theoretical background of PEC H₂ evolution and properties of the CuInS₂ semiconductor are initially explored. Subsequently, certain important strategies that have been executed to improve the activity and charge-separation characteristics of CuInS₂ photoelectrodes are examined; these include CuInS₂ synthesis methods, nanostructure development, heterojunction construction, and cocatalyst design. This review helps enhance the understanding of state-of-the-art CuInS₂-based photocathodes to enable the development of superior equivalents for efficient PEC H₂ production.

Preparation of thin layer CuO from Cu2O using the Spin Coating Method at Various Annealing Temperature and Number of Dripping for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

A thin layer preparation of CuO from Cu2O powder using Fehling's solution for photoelectrochemical applications has been performed. The research was focused on studying the effect of annealing temperature and the number of drops on the performance of CuO thin layer semiconductors from Cu2O powder prepared by spin coating with a rotation rate of 500 rpm for 15 seconds. The thin layers were treated with annealing with temperature variations of 300°C, 400°C, and 500°C for 1 hour and variations in the number of drops of 10, 20, and 50 drops. The CuO thin layer was tested in a photoelectrochemical process as a photocathode to split water with a simulated light of 1.5 AM (100 mW/cm2). The process of splitting water as a method of producing hydrogen energy by photoelectrochemistry is assisted by semiconductors, such as CuO, in an electrolyte solution to capture photons and drive the water-splitting reactions. Copper (II) Oxide (CuO) is a p-type semiconductor with a band gap of 1.2-2.5 eV, which can be used as a photocathode. The optimum photoelectrochemical measurement results were obtained at an annealing temperature of 400°C and 50 drops with a current density of 0.584 mA/cm2 at a potential of 0.2 V versus the Reversible Hydrogen Electrode (RHE). The results of the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis show that the morphology of the oxide is spherical. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis displays that the sample contained 51.46% and 48.54% of Cu and O, respectively. The X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD) analysis shows that the oxide grain size is 44.137 nm.

Facile and Robust Solvothermal Synthesis of Nanocrystalline CuInS₂ Thin Films

This work demonstrates that the solvothermal synthesis of nanocrystalline CuInS₂ thin films using the amino acid l-cysteine as sulfur source is facile and robust against variation of reaction time and temperature. Synthesis was carried out in a reaction time range of 3–48 h (at 150 °C) and a reaction temperature range of 100–190 °C (for 18 h). It was found that at least a time of 6 h and a temperature of 140 °C is needed to produce pure nanocrystalline CuInS₂ thin films as proven by X-ray and electron diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Using UV-vis spectroscopy, a good absorption behavior as well as direct band gaps between 1.46 and 1.55 eV have been determined for all grown films. Only for a reaction time of 3 h and temperatures below 140 °C CuInS₂ is not formed. This is attributed to the formation of metal ion complexes with l-cysteine and the overall slow assembly of CuInS₂. This study reveals that the reaction parameters can be chosen relatively free; the reaction is completely nontoxic and precursors and solvents are rather cheap, which makes this synthesis route interesting for industrial up scaling.