Nanoscale semiconductor/catalyst interfaces in photoelectrochemistry

Laskowski, Forrest A. L.; Oener, Sebastian Z.; Nellist, Michael R.; Gordon, Adrian M.; Bain, David C.; Fehrs, Jessica L.; Boettcher, Shannon W.

doi:10.1038/s41563-019-0488-z

Cited by 124 publications

(174 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…It is worthy of note that this Faradaic reaction is fast and reversible by controlling an applied potential, which leads to the intermediate layer regenerated. In previous studies, Faradaic intermediate layers were coated on the surfaces of semiconductor photoanodes as hole collectors (Liu et al, 2014;Laskowski et al, 2019) and oxygen evolution catalysts (Kim and Choi, 2014;Lin and Boettcher, 2014;Zhong et al, 2011;Li et al, 2013;Wang et al, 2018), which enhanced both charge separation and transfer efficiency at the semiconductor/liquid interface. Therefore, Faradaic layers are more ideal than non-Faradaic layers for high-efficiency solar water-splitting cells.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reversible Charge Transfer and Adjustable Potential Window in Semiconductor/Faradaic Layer/Liquid Junctions

et al. 2020

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Semiconductor/Faradaic layer/liquid junctions have been widely used in solar energy conversion and storage devices. However, the charge transfer mechanism of these junctions is still unclear, which leads to inconsistent results and low performance of these devices in previous studies. Herein, by using Fe 2 O 3 and Ni(OH) 2 as models, we precisely control the interface structure between the semiconductor and the Faradaic layer and investigate the charge transfer mechanism in the semiconductor/ Faradaic layer/liquid junction. The results suggest that the short circuit severely restricts the performance of the junction for both solar water splitting cells and solar charging supercapacitors. More importantly, we also find that the charge-discharge potential window of a Faradaic material sensitively depends on the energy band positions of a semiconductor, which provides a new way to adjust the potential window of a Faradaic material. These new insights offer guidance to design high-performance devices for solar energy conversion and storage.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reversible Charge Transfer and Adjustable Potential Window in Semiconductor/Faradaic Layer/Liquid Junctions

et al. 2020

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“…However, the morphology of the catalysts affects how the interface works for charge transfer/separation into reactants. For example, if the size of the catalysts is too small for them to interact with each other on the photoelectrode, so the electrochemical properties of the system are determined by the mixed solid-solid and solid-liquid interface, which is known as a pinch-off effect [154]. Thus, the morphology of the catalyst on the surface should be considered in terms of both reactant diffusion and charge carrier equilibrium with the electrolyte system.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Surface Modulation to Improve the Photo/Electrocatalysts for Water Oxidation/Reduction

Cho

Lee

2020

Molecules

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Water oxidation and reduction reactions play vital roles in highly efficient hydrogen production conducted by an electrolyzer, in which the enhanced efficiency of the system is apparently accompanied by the development of active electrocatalysts. Solar energy, a sustainable and clean energy source, can supply the kinetic energy to increase the rates of catalytic reactions. In this regard, understanding of the underlying fundamental mechanisms of the photo/electrochemical process is critical for future development. Combining light-absorbing materials with catalysts has become essential to maximizing the efficiency of hydrogen production. To fabricate an efficient absorber-catalysts system, it is imperative to fully understand the vital role of surface/interface modulation for enhanced charge transfer/separation and catalytic activity for a specific reaction. The electronic and chemical structures at the interface are directly correlated to charge carrier movements and subsequent chemical adsorption and reaction of the reactants. Therefore, rational surface modulation can indeed enhance the catalytic efficiency by preventing charge recombination and prompting transfer, increasing the reactant concentration, and ultimately boosting the catalytic reaction. Herein, the authors review recent progress on the surface modification of nanomaterials as photo/electrochemical catalysts for water reduction and oxidation, considering two successive photogenerated charge transfer/separation and catalytic chemical reactions. It is expected that this review paper will be helpful for the future development of photo/electrocatalysts.

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“…159,160 Furthermore, in a recent work, the same group demonstrated nanoscale measurements of pinch-off using potential sensing electrochemical atomic force microscope (PS-EC-AFM) at individual contacts, taking Ni island decorated n-Si photoanode as a model system. 161 This work not only displays great importance in identifying the charge flow dynamics across the contacts but also the measured contact behavior at a nanoscale level under operating conditions. Also, it showed the ability to measure local surface potential and control over the flow of electrons and holes at the nanometer scale dimensions in PEC systems.…”

Section: Electrical Characterization Of Pec Junctionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

In situ characterizations of photoelectrochemical cells for solar fuels and chemicals

Yalavarthi

Henrotte

Minguzzi

et al. 2020

MRS Energy & Sustainability

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Nanoscale semiconductor/catalyst interfaces in photoelectrochemistry

Cited by 124 publications

References 48 publications

Reversible Charge Transfer and Adjustable Potential Window in Semiconductor/Faradaic Layer/Liquid Junctions

Reversible Charge Transfer and Adjustable Potential Window in Semiconductor/Faradaic Layer/Liquid Junctions

Understanding Surface Modulation to Improve the Photo/Electrocatalysts for Water Oxidation/Reduction

In situ characterizations of photoelectrochemical cells for solar fuels and chemicals

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