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Perspectives on the Development of Oxide-Based Photocathodes for Solar Fuel Production

Journal Article · · Journal of the American Chemical Society
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.9b07976· OSTI ID:2553093
Photoelectrochemical cells (PECs), which use semiconductor electrodes (photoelectrodes) to absorb solar energy and perform chemical reactions, constitute one of the most attractive strategies to produce chemical fuels using renewable energy sources. Oxide-based photoelectrodes specifically have been intensively investigated for the construction of PECs due to their relatively inexpensive processing costs and better stability in aqueous media compared with other types of photoelectrodes. Although there have been many advancements in the development of oxide-based photoanodes, our understanding of oxide-based photocathodes remains limited. The goal of this Perspective is to examine the recent progress made in the field of oxide-based photocathodes and discuss future research directions. The photocathode systems considered here include binary and ternary Cu-based photocathodes and ternary Fe-based photocathodes. Here, we assessed the characteristics and major advantages and drawbacks of each system and identified the most critical research gaps. The insights and discussions provided in this Perspective will serve as useful resources for the design of future studies, leading to the development of more efficient and practical PECs.
Research Organization:
University of Wisconsin—Madison, WI (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES). Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences Division (CSGB)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0008707
OSTI ID:
2553093
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1801874
Journal Information:
Journal of the American Chemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the American Chemical Society Journal Issue: 46 Vol. 141; ISSN 0002-7863
Publisher:
American Chemical Society (ACS)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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