Work

Investigation of p-type Ca2Fe2O5 as a Photocathode for Use in a Water Splitting Photoelectrochemical Cell

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Ca 2 Fe 2 O 5 is a p-type oxide that has not been previously investigated as a photocathode for use in a water splitting photoelectrochemical cell. In this study, Ca 2 Fe 2 O 5 was synthesized as a polycrystalline electrode, and its properties relevant to photoelectrochemical hydrogen production were investigated. Ca 2 Fe 2 O 5 electrodes were prepared by thermally annealing electrodeposited FeOOH films with a solution of Ca(NO 3 ) 2 drop-casted onto the electrode surface. The bandgap energy, band edge positions, flatband potential, photocurrent generation, and chemical and photoelectrochemical stabilities of Ca 2 Fe 2 O 5 were examined. The results showed that Ca 2 Fe 2 O 5 has an ideal bandgap and band positions that can enable the utilization of visible light for overall solar water splitting. Photocurrent–time measurements were also performed and the changes in morphology, crystallinity, and composition of the Ca 2 Fe 2 O 5 electrodes before and after the photocurrent measurement were investigated. This made it possible to examine the photostability of Ca 2 Fe 2 O 5 and elucidate the cause of the observed photocurrent decay.

Source: ACS Applied Energy Materials

DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.8b00934

Authors: Garrett P. Wheeler, Kyoung-Shin Choi

Institution: University of Wisconsin–Madison

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: green

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, Basic Energy Sciences