Understanding Wavelength-Dependent Synergies between Morphology and Photonic Design in TiO₂-Based Solar Powered Redox Cells

Abstract

Solar powered redox cells (SPRCs) are promising for large-scale and long-term storage of solar-energy, particularly when coupled with redox flow batteries (RFBs). While efforts have primarily focused on heterostructure engineering, the potential of synergistic morphology and photonic design has not been carefully studied. Here, we investigate the wavelength-dependent effects of light-absorption and charge transfer characteristics on the performance of gold decorated TiO 2 -based SPRC photoanodes operating with RFB-compatible redox couples. Through an in-depth optical and photoelectrochemical characterization of three complementary TiO 2 microstructures, namely nanotubes, honeycombs, and nanoparticles, we elucidate the combined effects of nanometer-scale semiconductor morphology and plasmonic design across the visible spectrum. In particular, thin-walled TiO 2 nanotubes exhibit a ∼ 50% increase in solar-to-chemical efficiency (STC) compared to thick-walled TiO 2 honeycombs thanks to improved charge transfer. Au nanoparticles both increase generation and interfacial charge transfer (above bandgap) and promote hot carrier injection (below bandgap) leading to a further 25% increase in STC. Overall, Au/TiO 2 nanotubes achieve a high photocurrent at 0.098 mA/cm 2 and an excellent STC of 0.06%, among the highest with respect to the theoretical limit. The incident photon to current efficiency and internal quantum efficiency are also superior to those of bare TiO 2 showing maximum values of 54.7% and 67%, respectively. Overall, nanophotonic engineering that synergistically combines morphology optimization and plasmonic sensitization schemes offer new avenues for improving rechargeable solar-energy technologies such as solar redox flow batteries.

Hot Electrons in Catalysis

“…Geng et al report that, by hybridizing rhodium nanoparticles with solar absorbers such as titanium nitride (TiN), plasmonic CO 2 reduction catalysis can be achieved with milder degrees of heating and light illumination. Ma et al present solar-powered redox cells based on TiO 2 nanostructures functionalized with Au NPs. Au NPs enhance light absorption and interfacial hot carrier transfer, which increases photocurrents compared to bare TiO 2 nanostructures.…”

Transport and Interfacial Injection of d-Band Hot Holes Control Plasmonic Chemistry

“…This is possibly because of an increased charge recombination at the Au/TiO 2 interface due to the concurrent charge generation in TiO 2 at higher photon energies, as also observed in previous studies. 39,40 Nonetheless, this interfacial recombination does not impact the performance of the 16 nm thick NDs. Overall, these observations suggest that decreasing the nanoantenna thickness does alter the hot-carrier-driven processes across the interfaces.…”