Photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation employing a Cu2O-based photocathode with improved stability and activity by using NixPy as the cocatalyst

文献情報

出版日 2018-05-04

DOI 10.1039/C7CP08560E

インパクトファクター 3.676

著者

Manjeet Chhetri, C. N. R. Rao

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要旨

With the tactical integration of band edge energetics concepts in semiconducting films to reduce charge recombination and photocorrosion, an improvement in the photocurrent can be achieved by introducing CuO and NixPy into Cu2O films. Photodegradation limitations of Cu2O are overcome by the Cu2O–CuO–NixPy photocathode. NixPy, because of its excellent electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity, helps in obtaining better stability and activity. The individual effects of CuO and NixPy have been investigated and it is found that the activity enhancement stems mainly from the contribution of NixPy, whereas CuO helps with the unidirectional flow of photogenerated charges to prevent the photocorrosion of Cu2O. Relative to bare and modified Cu2O, Cu2O–CuO–NixPy shows a considerable reduction in the overpotential and a remarkable improvement in the photocurrent at 0 V (vs. RHE). This is the first report on the use of NixPy as the co-catalyst in a Cu2O based photocathode system to improve its photostability as well as its activity.

掲載誌

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics

CiteScore: 5.5

自己引用率: 10.3%

年間論文数: 3036

Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics (PCCP) is an international journal co-owned by 19 physical chemistry and physics societies from around the world. This journal publishes original, cutting-edge research in physical chemistry, chemical physics and biophysical chemistry. To be suitable for publication in PCCP, articles must include significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry; this is the most important criterion that reviewers and Editors will judge against when evaluating submissions. The journal has a broad scope and welcomes contributions spanning experiment, theory, computation and data science. Topical coverage includes spectroscopy, dynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, catalysis, surface science, quantum mechanics, quantum computing and machine learning. Interdisciplinary research areas such as polymers and soft matter, materials, nanoscience, energy, surfaces/interfaces, and biophysical chemistry are welcomed if they demonstrate significant innovation and/or insight into physical chemistry. Joined experimental/theoretical studies are particularly appreciated when complementary and based on up-to-date approaches.