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Title: Acid-Compatible Halide Perovskite Photocathodes Utilizing Atomic Layer Deposited TiO 2 for Solar-Driven Hydrogen Evolution

Journal Article · · ACS Energy Letters
 [1];  [1]; ORCiD logo [1]
  1. Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois 60439, United States, Argonne−Northwestern Solar Energy Research (ANSER) Center, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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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.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Scientific User Facilities Division
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0001059; AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
1489420
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1493729; OSTI ID: 1508836
Journal Information:
ACS Energy Letters, Journal Name: ACS Energy Letters Vol. 4 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 2380-8195
Publisher:
American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 55 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

Cited By (5)

Metal Halide Perovskites for Solar‐to‐Chemical Fuel Conversion journal April 2020
Halide perovskite photocatalysis: progress and perspectives journal February 2020
Atomic Layer Deposition of Functional Layers in Planar Perovskite Solar Cells journal October 2019
Constructing CsPbBr x I 3−x nanocrystal/carbon nanotube composites with improved charge transfer and light harvesting for enhanced photoelectrochemical activity journal January 2019
Water in hybrid perovskites: Bulk MAPbI 3 degradation via super-hydrous state journal April 2019

Figures / Tables (4)

Figure 1(p. 2)figure Figure 1
Figure 2(p. 2)figure Figure 2
Figure 3(p. 3)figure Figure 3
Figure 4(p. 4)figure Figure 4

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