sources at 1000 lux had an irradiance of 340 and 320 µW cm −2 , respectively. The accuracy of the light meter and power meter is the primary determinant of the uncertainty in the measured PCE values, which amounts to approximately ±6-7%, as can be determined from a straightforward uncertainty analysis based on the device testing conditions and the specifications of the power and light meters. Consequently, the PCE values are reported herein with 1 decimal place.
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) artificial leaves hold the potential to lower the costs of sustainable solar fuel production by integrating light harvesting and catalysis within one compact device. However, current deposition techniques limit their scalability, 1 while fragile and heavy bulk materials can affect their transport and deployment. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of lightweight artificial leaves by employing thin, flexible substrates and carbonaceous protection layers. Lead halide perovskite photocathodes deposited onto indium tin oxide coated polyethylene terephthalate achieve an activity of 4266 µmol H2 g -1 h -1 using a platinum catalyst, whereas photocathodes with a molecular Co catalyst for CO2 reduction attain a high CO:H2 selectivity of 7.2 under a lower 0.1 sun irradiation. The corresponding lightweight perovskite-BiVO4 PEC devices display unassisted solar-to-fuel efficiencies of 0.58% (H2) and 0.053% (CO), respectively. Their potential for scalability is demonstrated by 100 cm 2 standalone artificial leaves, which sustain a comparable performance and stability of ≈24 h to their 1.7 cm 2 counterparts. Bubbles formed under operation further enable the 30-100 mg cm -2 devices to float, while lightweight reactors facilitate gas collection during outdoor testing on a river. The leaf-like PEC device bridges the gulf in weight between traditional solar fuel approaches, showcasing activities per gram comparable to photocatalytic suspensions and plant leaves. The presented lightweight, floating systems may enable open water applications, while avoiding competition with land use.
Halide perovskite semiconductors have risen to prominence in photovoltaics and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), but traditional oxide perovskites, which overcome the stability limitations of their halide counterparts, have also recently witnessed a rise in potential as solar absorbers. One of the many important factors underpinning these developments is an understanding of the role of dimensionality on the optoelectronic properties and, consequently, on the performance of the materials in photovoltaics and LEDs. This review article examines the role of structural and electronic dimensionality, as well as form factor, in oxide and halide perovskites, and in lead‐free alternatives to halide perovskites. Insights into how dimensionality influences the band gap, stability, charge‐carrier transport, recombination processes and defect tolerance of the materials, and the impact these parameters have on device performance are brought forward. Particular emphasis is placed on carrier/exciton‐phonon coupling, which plays a significant role in the materials considered, owing to their soft lattices and composition of heavy elements, and becomes more prominent as dimensionality is reduced. It is finished with a discussion of the implications on the classes of materials future efforts should focus on, as well as the key questions that need to be addressed.
Bismuth oxyiodide has anisotropic transport properties, and optimal device performance requires control over its preferred orientation. We find that this preferred orientation can be finely tuned through the precursor and substrate temperatures.
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