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A dense array of CdS-ZnS core-shell nanorods film (1D vertically aligned) was synthesized through a simple two-step aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) method. In this configuration, a ZnS nanocrystal (protective shell) was grown in situ on a CdS core, forming nanorod heterostructures to restrain the photo-corrosion and enhance the charge separation and transportation efficiencies of CdS cores. The as-prepared CdS-ZnS films showed elevated photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance (over four times than that of uncoated CdS arrays) with a significant photocurrent density of 7.8 mA cm À2 (0 V, vs. SCE) and incident photon to electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) values above 35% under AM 1.5G irradiation. Moreover, the stability of the photoelectrode was tested for over 16 min. These results suggest that the dense array of CdS-ZnS core-shell heterostructures provides a unique spatial distribution of the photo-excited charge carriers, as well as stable anti-photo-corrosion ability, and therefore is promising to be a photoelectrode in PEC hydrogen generation from water.

The nanohybrids (NiPS3@DG) exhibit impressively low overpotentials at all pH values, which can even surpass those of Pt/C.

Organic cation and halide anion defects are omnipresent in the perovskite films, which will destroy perovskite electronic structure and downgrade the properties of devices. Defect passivation in halide perovskites is crucial to the application of solar cells. Herein, tiny amounts of trivalent rhodium ion incorporation can help the nucleation of perovskite grain and passivate the defects in the grain boundaries, which can improve efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. Through first-principle calculations, rhodium ion incorporation into the perovskite structure can induce ordered arrangement and tune bandgap. In experiment, rhodium ion incorporation with perovskite can contribute to preparing larger crystalline and uniform film, reducing trap-state density and enlarging charge carrier lifetime. After optimizing the content of 1% rhodium, the devices achieved an efficiency up to 20.71% without obvious hysteresis, from 19.09% of that pristine perovskite. In addition, the unencapsulated solar cells maintain 92% of its initial efficiency after 500 h in dry air. This work highlights the advantages of trivalent rhodium ion incorporation in the characteristics of perovskite solar cells, which will promote the future industrial application.