Novel Micropixelation Strategy to Stabilize Semiconductor Photoelectrodes for Solar Water Splitting Systems

Fatima Toor; Todd G Deutsch; Joel W Pankow; William Nemeth; Arthur J Nozik; Howard M Branz

doi:10.1021/jp303358m

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Novel Micropixelation Strategy to Stabilize Semiconductor Photoelectrodes for Solar Water Splitting Systems

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Novel Micropixelation Strategy to Stabilize Semiconductor Photoelectrodes for Solar Water Splitting Systems

Fatima Toor, Todd G Deutsch, Joel W Pankow, William Nemeth, Arthur J Nozik and Howard M Branz

Journal of physical chemistry. C, Vol.116(36), pp.19262-19267

2012

DOI: 10.1021/jp303358m

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Abstract

We demonstrate a novel micropixelation strategy to stabilize the p–i hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photocathodes used for hydrogen production in photoelectrochemical water splitting. The main mechanism of corrosion of planar electrodes involves reduction of the underlying SnO2 contact layer by electrolyte that penetrates through pinholes in the a-Si:H. We photolithographically isolate square pixels (100 μm × 100 μm) of a-Si:H by etching narrow channels in the a-Si:H and filling with protective a-SiNx. Under illumination and bias, we observe improved durability of the micropixelated photocathodes compared to planar electrodes. Extended dark potentiostatic testing also exhibits this slowing and isolation of corrosion by the micropixelated electrode. Implementation of this micropixelation strategy is a key toward creating a water-splitting system based on micrometer-scale Si p–n junction pixels. Panels of these corrosion-resistant pixels could be connected in series to produce photovoltages sufficient to split-water while avoiding photocorrosion. Micropixelation could also improve stability in other photoelectrochemical solar fuel production systems.

Electrochemistry

Physics

Chemistry

Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties

Electrodes: preparations and properties

Electronic transport in condensed matter

Exact sciences and technology

General and physical chemistry

Photoconduction and photovoltaic effects; photodielectric effects

Details

Title: Subtitle: Novel Micropixelation Strategy to Stabilize Semiconductor Photoelectrodes for Solar Water Splitting Systems
Creators: Fatima Toor - National Laboratory of the Rockies
Todd G Deutsch - National Laboratory of the Rockies
Joel W Pankow - National Laboratory of the Rockies
William Nemeth - National Laboratory of the Rockies
Arthur J Nozik - National Laboratory of the Rockies
Howard M Branz - National Laboratory of the Rockies
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of physical chemistry. C, Vol.116(36), pp.19262-19267
DOI: 10.1021/jp303358m
NLM abbreviation: J Phys Chem C Nanomater Interfaces
ISSN: 1932-7447
eISSN: 1932-7455
Publisher: American Chemical Society
Language: English
Date published: 2012
Academic Unit: Electrical and Computer Engineering; Iowa Technology Institute; Physics and Astronomy; Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Record Identifier: 9984197442502771

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