TaO_x electron transport layers for CO₂ reduction Si photocathodes

Abstract

Electron transport layers (ETLs) used as components of photocathodes for light-driven CO2 reduction (CO2R) in aqueous media should have good electronic transport, be stable under CO2R conditions, and, ideally, be...

Sn-assisted heteroepitaxy improves ZnTiN2 photoabsorbers

“…Studying and manipulating the interface between the ZnTiN 2 film and these oxide layers, as well as the opposite interface with the substrate (and back contact layer in a device configuration), will be crucial for ensuring optimal electronic transport across the PEC device as a whole. 48 Further improvements of these ZnTiN 2 films should also focus on controlling various dopant types and their incorporation, to optimize carrier transport both within the ZnTiN 2 films and between surrounding device layers. Future studies will also leverage the insights gained in this work to directly assess the performance and stability of ZnTiN 2 -based PEC devices under relevant electrochemical environments.…”

A recirculation system for concentrating CO2 electrolyzer products

“…The detailed determination of product concentrations is described by Prabhakar et al . 28,29 It should be noted that liquid products were only detected in the anode, where product re-oxidation is possible and may potentially skew faradaic efficiencies.…”

Tailoring co-catalysts on Si photocathodes for efficient photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction: recent progress and prospects of deposition methods

“…These PVD techniques provide a simple catalyst deposition method applicable to research in PEC CO 2 RR. 39–48…”

“…Joel W. Ager and colleagues reported the use of TaO x electron transport layers in CO 2 reduction on Si photocathodes. 47 TaO x films were synthesized via PLD and radio-frequency (RF) sputtering methods, with co-catalysts (Cu or Ag) loaded using the sputtering technique. When compared to the Si/TiO 2 /Cu photocathode, Si/TaO x /Cu photocathodes exhibited significantly higher CO 2 reduction product yields (52% for PLD TaO x and 30% for RF-sputtered TaO x ).…”