Photoelectrochemical water splitting: a road from stable metal oxides to protected thin film solar cells

Ros, Carles; Andreu, Teresa; Morante, J.R.

doi:10.1039/d0ta02755c

Cited by 205 publications

(134 citation statements)

References 371 publications

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“…Despite significant efforts for improving the properties of typical absorber layers by various post-depositional treatments (PDTs) experienced for TFSCs [ 8 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ], the procedures and their productivities of stable absorber/electrolyte interface are limited [ 29 ]. To date, most devices utilizing Sb 2 Se 3 layers exhibited parameters significantly below expectations [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 30 , 31 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Novel Thermochemical Metal Halide Treatment for High-Performance Sb2Se3 Photocathodes

et al. 2020

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The fabrication of cost-effective photostable materials with optoelectronic properties suitable for commercial photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting represents a complex task. Herein, we present a simple route to produce Sb2Se3 that meets most of the requirements for high-performance photocathodes. Annealing of Sb2Se3 layers in a selenium-containing atmosphere persists as a necessary step for improving device parameters; however, it could complicate industrial processability. To develop a safe and scalable alternative to the selenium physical post-processing, we propose a novel SbCl3/glycerol-based thermochemical treatment for controlling anisotropy, a severe problem for Sb2Se3. Our procedure makes it possible to selectively etch antimony-rich oxyselenide presented in Sb2Se3, to obtain high-quality compact thin films with a favorable morphology, stoichiometric composition, and crystallographic orientation. The treated Sb2Se3 photoelectrode demonstrates a record photocurrent density of about 31 mA cm−2 at −248 mV against the calomel electrode and can thus offer a breakthrough option for industrial solar fuel fabrication.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Novel Thermochemical Metal Halide Treatment for High-Performance Sb2Se3 Photocathodes

et al. 2020

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“…[ 156 ] Despite extensive studies on protection methods, devices based on III–Vs also possess limited stability in solution. [ 297 ] Progress in these areas is essential for the development of technologies based on these materials.…”

Section: Materials Choice For Pec Water Splittingmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review of Inorganic Photoelectrode Developments and Reactor Scale‐Up Challenges for Solar Hydrogen Production

Moss

Babacan

Kafizas

et al. 2021

Advanced Energy Materials

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Green hydrogen, produced using solar energy, is a promising means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting devices can produce hydrogen using sunlight and integrate the distinct functions of photovoltaics and electrolyzers in a single device. There is flexibility in the degree of integration between these electrical and chemical energy generating components, and so a plethora of archetypal PEC device designs has emerged. Although some materials have effectively been ruled out for use in commercial PEC devices, many principles of material design and synthesis have been learned. Here, the fundamental requirements of PEC materials, the top performances of the most widely studied inorganic photoelectrode materials, and reactor structures reported for unassisted solar water splitting are revisited. The main phenomena limiting the performance of up‐scaled PEC devices are discussed, showing that engineering must be considered in parallel with material development for the future piloting of PEC water splitting systems. To establish the future commercial viability of this technology, more accurate techno‐economic analyses should be carried out using data from larger scale demonstrations, and hence more durable and efficient PEC systems need to be developed that meet the challenges imposed from both material and engineering perspectives.

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“…[ 13,16 ] All those special requirements to improve device stability and efficiency have led to a complex design of photoelectrodes ( Figure ) consisting of multiple layers, of which some are ultrathin. [ 17 ] During the last years, ALD has been applied to fabricate all the essential parts of PEC devices. Here, we review the ALD‐deposition of light absorbers, interlayers, protective layers, and catalysts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Atomic Layer Deposition for the Photoelectrochemical Applications

Pastukhova

Mavrič

2021

Adv Materials Inter

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Substantial progress has been made in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) field to understand the photoelectrode behavior, semiconductor‐electrolyte interface, and photocorrosion, enabling new photoelectrode architectures with higher photocurrent, reduced photovoltage losses, and longer lifetime. Nevertheless, for practical PEC applications additional efforts are still needed to optimize all components of the photoelectrodes, including the light absorbing semiconductors, the layers for charge extraction, charge transfer, corrosion protection, and catalysis. In this regard, atomic layer deposition (ALD) offers new opportunities due to the monolayer‐by‐monolayer deposition approach, allowing preparation of conformal films with precisely controlled thickness and composition. As the ALD instruments are becoming widely accessible, this review aims to make an overview of the applications for photoelectrodes fabrication. The deposition of semiconductors onto flat and nano‐textured substrates, the deposition of ultrathin interlayers to ease charge transport by energy band alignment and surface states passivation, the deposition of corrosion protection layers, and finally, the possibilities for high catalyst dispersion is presented.

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Photoelectrochemical water splitting: a road from stable metal oxides to protected thin film solar cells

Abstract: The present review offers a detailed analysis of Photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices from metal oxide electrodes forming a semiconductor–liquid junction to protected and catalyst-decorated third generation solar cells adapted into photoelectrodes.

Cited by 205 publications

References 371 publications

A Novel Thermochemical Metal Halide Treatment for High-Performance Sb2Se3 Photocathodes

A Novel Thermochemical Metal Halide Treatment for High-Performance Sb2Se3 Photocathodes

A Review of Inorganic Photoelectrode Developments and Reactor Scale‐Up Challenges for Solar Hydrogen Production

Atomic Layer Deposition for the Photoelectrochemical Applications

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