Function of cobalt and platinum on p-InP in the photoevolution of hydrogen from alkaline solutions

Journal Article · Mon Sep 29 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.97508· OSTI ID:5055918

Goodman, C E; Wessels, B W

The role of metal deposits (e.g., Co and Pt) on p-InP photocathodes in the photoevolution of hydrogen from alkaline solutions was studied. The deposition of Co or Pt on a p-InP photocathode was found to increase the solar-to-chemical efficiency by more than an order of magnitude. Photocurrent-voltage curves before and after metal deposition have shown that the open-circuit voltage remains nearly constant at 0.65--0.77 V. Under a reverse bias of 0.1--0.6 V the presence of metal islands has a large effect on cell performance by improving the short-circuit current and fill factor. This indicates that the deposited metals act as classical catalysts on photocathodes in alkaline hydrogen generating photoelectrochemical cells.

• Research Organization: Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Materials Research Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60201
• OSTI ID: 5055918
• Journal Information: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Phys. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 49:13; ISSN APPLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140505* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photochemical
Photobiological
& Thermochemical Conversion-- (1980-)
CATALYSIS
CATALYTIC EFFECTS
CATHODES
COBALT
CURRENTS
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRODES
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
INDIUM COMPOUNDS
INDIUM PHOSPHIDES
METALS
PERFORMANCE
PHOSPHIDES
PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
PHOTOCATHODES
PHOTOCURRENTS
PHOTOELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
PLATINUM
PLATINUM METALS
PNICTIDES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
TRANSITION ELEMENTS