Nano-architecture and material designs for water splitting photoelectrodes

Abstract

This review concerns the efficient conversion of sunlight into chemical fuels through the photoelectrochemical splitting of water, which has the potential to generate sustainable hydrogen fuel. In this review, we discuss various photoelectrode materials and relative design strategies with their associated fabrication for solar water splitting. Factors affecting photoelectrochemical performance of these materials and designs are also described. The most recent progress in the research and development of new materials as well as their corresponding photoelectrodes is also summarized in this review. Finally, the research strategies and future directions for water splitting are discussed with recommendations to facilitate the further exploration of new photoelectrode materials and their associated technologies.

Achieving Highly Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation with a TiCl4 Treated 3D Antimony‐Doped SnO2 Macropore/Branched α‐Fe2O3 Nanorod Heterojunction Photoanode

“…Recently, constructing composite photoelectrodes including multicomponent or multiphase heterojunctions have engaged many attentions in designing highly active photocatalyst systems 8. Such a host‐guest approach has been proved a valid strategy in enhancing charge carrier separation along with broadening absorption range when compared to the individual host or guest part.…”

Facile Electrochemical Synthesis of CeO2@Ag@CdSe Nanotube Arrays with Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performance

“…为了进一步定量讨论各样品的光电化学性能, 我们 测量了各样品的光电转化效率(IPCE)曲线, 如图 9a 所 示, 它可以很好的说明样品在各波长下光电转化效率的 关系 [1,27,28] . IPCE 测量是在 Na 2 SO 4 [29,30] .…”

Enhancing photoelectrochemical activity with three-dimensional p-CuO/n-ZnO junction photocathodes

“…The rational design and preparation of complex nanostructures with particular morphology, compositions and junctions has become a promising way to achieve high PEC performance. Among various nanostructures, three-dimensional (3D) heterojunction arrays are ideal architectures because they can offer increased contact area with the electrolyte, improved light harvesting ability, more interface for carrier separation, and shorter pathway for carrier transport and collection [8,9]. For example, the heterojunction nanostructures, Fe2O3/ZnFe2O4 [10], ZnO/Cu2O [11], and Cu2O/TaON [12], have shown enhanced PEC activity, with the enhancement ascribed to efficient charge separation in the heterojunction.…”