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Photoelectrochemical water splitting enhanced by self-assembled metal nanopillars embedded in an oxide semiconductor photoelectrode

Author

Listed:
  • Seiji Kawasaki

    (Institute for Solid State Physics (ISSP), University of Tokyo)

  • Ryota Takahashi

    (Institute for Solid State Physics (ISSP), University of Tokyo)

  • Takahisa Yamamoto

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University)

  • Masaki Kobayashi

    (Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK))

  • Hiroshi Kumigashira

    (Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK))

  • Jun Yoshinobu

    (Institute for Solid State Physics (ISSP), University of Tokyo)

  • Fumio Komori

    (Institute for Solid State Physics (ISSP), University of Tokyo)

  • Akihiko Kudo

    (Faculty of Science, Tokyo University of Science
    Photocatalysis International Research Center, Research Institute for Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science)

  • Mikk Lippmaa

    (Institute for Solid State Physics (ISSP), University of Tokyo)

Abstract

Production of chemical fuels by direct solar energy conversion in a photoelectrochemical cell is of great practical interest for developing a sustainable energy system. Various nanoscale designs such as nanowires, nanotubes, heterostructures and nanocomposites have been explored to increase the energy conversion efficiency of photoelectrochemical water splitting. Here we demonstrate a self-organized nanocomposite material concept for enhancing the efficiency of photocarrier separation and electrochemical energy conversion. Mechanically robust photoelectrodes are formed by embedding self-assembled metal nanopillars in a semiconductor thin film, forming tubular Schottky junctions around each pillar. The photocarrier transport efficiency is strongly enhanced in the Schottky space charge regions while the pillars provide an efficient charge extraction path. Ir-doped SrTiO3 with embedded iridium metal nanopillars shows good operational stability in a water oxidation reaction and achieves over 80% utilization of photogenerated carriers under visible light in the 400- to 600-nm wavelength range.

Suggested Citation

  • Seiji Kawasaki & Ryota Takahashi & Takahisa Yamamoto & Masaki Kobayashi & Hiroshi Kumigashira & Jun Yoshinobu & Fumio Komori & Akihiko Kudo & Mikk Lippmaa, 2016. "Photoelectrochemical water splitting enhanced by self-assembled metal nanopillars embedded in an oxide semiconductor photoelectrode," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-6, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms11818
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11818
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhao, Meng-Jie & Li, Er-Mei & Deng, Ning & Hu, Yingjie & Li, Chao-Xiong & Li, Bing & Li, Fang & Guo, Zhen-Guo & He, Jian-Bo, 2022. "Indirect electrodeposition of a NiMo@Ni(OH)2MoOx composite catalyst for superior hydrogen production in acidic and alkaline electrolytes," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C), pages 370-379.
    2. Saraswat, Sushil Kumar & Rodene, Dylan D. & Gupta, Ram B., 2018. "Recent advancements in semiconductor materials for photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production using visible light," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 228-248.

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