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Boosting photoelectrochemical efficiency by near-infrared-active lattice-matched morphological heterojunctions

Author

Listed:
  • Guo-Qiang Liu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yuan Yang

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yi Li

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Taotao Zhuang

    (University of Science and Technology of China
    University of Toronto)

  • Xu-Feng Li

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Joshua Wicks

    (University of Toronto)

  • Jie Tian

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Min-Rui Gao

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Jin-Lan Peng

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Huan-Xin Ju

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Liang Wu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yun-Xiang Pan

    (Hefei University of Technology)

  • Lu-An Shi

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Haiming Zhu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Junfa Zhu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Shu-Hong Yu

    (University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Edward H. Sargent

    (University of Toronto)

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical catalysis is an attractive way to provide direct hydrogen production from solar energy. However, solar conversion efficiencies are hindered by the fact that light harvesting has so far been of limited efficiency in the near-infrared region as compared to that in the visible and ultraviolet regions. Here we introduce near-infrared-active photoanodes that feature lattice-matched morphological hetero-nanostructures, a strategy that improves energy conversion efficiency by increasing light-harvesting spectral range and charge separation efficiency simultaneously. Specifically, we demonstrate a near-infrared-active morphological heterojunction comprised of BiSeTe ternary alloy nanotubes and ultrathin nanosheets. The heterojunction’s hierarchical nanostructure separates charges at the lattice-matched interface of the two morphological components, preventing further carrier recombination. As a result, the photoanodes achieve an incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 36% at 800 nm in an electrolyte solution containing hole scavengers without a co-catalyst.

Suggested Citation

  • Guo-Qiang Liu & Yuan Yang & Yi Li & Taotao Zhuang & Xu-Feng Li & Joshua Wicks & Jie Tian & Min-Rui Gao & Jin-Lan Peng & Huan-Xin Ju & Liang Wu & Yun-Xiang Pan & Lu-An Shi & Haiming Zhu & Junfa Zhu & S, 2021. "Boosting photoelectrochemical efficiency by near-infrared-active lattice-matched morphological heterojunctions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-24569-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24569-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tae Woo Kim & Yuan Ping & Giulia A. Galli & Kyoung-Shin Choi, 2015. "Simultaneous enhancements in photon absorption and charge transport of bismuth vanadate photoanodes for solar water splitting," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-10, December.
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