Identifying champion nanostructures for solar water-splitting

Artificial leaf goes simpler and more efficient for solar fuel generation

Layer upon layer: Solar-to-fuel conversion through water splitting is among the most challenging and growing fields in present day science. Herein, a report is highlighted that successfully demonstrates an efficient photoanodic system utilizing simple and low-cost tungsten-doped bismuth vanadate on single- or double-junction amorphous silicon photovoltaic in a tandem configuration.

Synthesis of Bi2WO6 photoanode on transparent conducting oxide substrate with low onset potential for solar water splitting

High conduction band of Bi₂WO₆, thus low onset potential of Bi₂WO₆/Co-Pi photoanode, is favourable for overall water splitting at zero bias potential when it combines with a silicon photocathode.

Photoelectrochemical hydrogen production on α-Fe2O3 (0001): insights from theory and experiments

The photoelectrochemical (PEC) decomposition of organic compounds in wastewater is investigated by using quantum chemical (DFT) methods to evaluate alternatives to water splitting for the production of renewable and sustainable hydrogen. Methanol is used as a model organic species for the theoretical evaluations of electrolysis on the surface of the widely available semiconductor hematite, α-Fe2 O3 , a widely studied photocatalyst. Three different α-Fe2 O3 surface terminations were investigated, including the predominant surface found in aqueous electrolytes, (OH)3 R. The PEC oxidation of methanol is energetically downhill, producing CO2 and protons. The protons are reduced to hydrogen on the cathode. Experimental PEC measurements were also performed for several polyalcoholic compounds, glycerol, erythritol, and xylitol, on α-Fe2 O3 as the photocatalyst and showed high incident-photon-to-current-efficiencies (IPCE) that were much greater than those of water splitting. Interestingly, high IPCEs were observed for hydrogen production from polyalcohols in the absence of any applied bias, which was not thought to be possible on hematite. These results support the potential application of PEC for hydrogen production by using widely available hematite for the PEC oxidation of selected components of organic wastewater present in large quantities from anthropogenic and industrial sources.

Cu2ZnSnS4 thin films: spin coating synthesis and photoelectrochemistry

CZTS thin films possessing outstanding photoelectrochemical (PEC) efficiency and chemical stability have been prepared using a facile spin coating method and their properties can be further improved by surface modification of CdS and TiO₂ layers.

Air-based photoelectrochemical cell capturing water molecules from ambient air for hydrogen production

A system is demonstrated that autonomously produces hydrogen gas using sunlight and outside air as the only inputs.

Solar-to-hydrogen efficiency exceeding 2.5% achieved for overall water splitting with an all earth-abundant dual-photoelectrode

Overall water splitting with STH efficiency exceeding 2.5% using an all earth-abundant dual-photoelectrode device under parallel illumination without bias.