Work

Acid-Compatible Halide Perovskite Photocathodes Utilizing Atomic Layer Deposited TiO2 for Solar-Driven Hydrogen Evolution

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: Although solution-processable halide perovskite semiconductors exhibit optoelectronic performance comparable to the best photoabsorbers for solar fuel production, halide perovskites rapidly decompose in the presence of water or even humid air. We show that a hybrid electron transport layer, a PC61BM + TiO2 film (18–40 nm thickness) grown over the sensitive absorber by atomic layer deposition, enables photoassisted proton reduction without further encapsulation. These semitransparent photocathodes, when paired with a Pt catalyst, display continuous reduction of H+ to H2 for hours under illumination, even while in direct contact with a strongly acidic aqueous electrolyte (0.5 M H2SO4). Under 0.5 Sun illumination, a photocurrent density of >10 mA cm–2 is observed, and a photovoltage of 0.68 V assists proton reduction, consistent with a structurally related photovoltaic (PV) device. Submersible halide perovskite photoelectrodes point the way to more efficient photoassisted overall water splitting and other solar fuel generation using solution-processed semiconductors with tunable band gaps.

Source: ACS Energy Letters

DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.8b01661

Authors: In Soo Kim, Michael J. Pellin, Alex B. F. Martinson

Institutions: Northwestern University, Argonne National Laboratory

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: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,000