Photoelectrochemical characterization of the n-InP/room temperature molten salt electrolyte interface

Journal Article · Wed Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2124341· OSTI ID:5425486

Thapar, R; DuBow, J; Rajeshwar, K

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) characterization of the n-InP/A1C1/sub 3/-butyl pyridinium chloride (BPC) interface was carried out using cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry, capacitance-voltage measurements, and automated admittance spectroscopy. The surface energy levels of n-InP electrodes in A1C1/sub 3/-BPC mixtures were a sensitive function of electrolyte acidity. Capacitance-voltage measurements in electrolytes having A1C1/sub 3/-BPC molar ratios varying between 0.8:1 and 2:1 revealed a systematic shift in the flatband potentials (V /SUB FB/ ) toward negative potentials in basic systems, an effect attributed to specified adsorption of C1/sup -/ ions on the electrode surface. The stability range of the A1C1/sub 3/-BPC electrolyte on n-InP was also dependent on electrolyte acidity, the cathodic current onset shifting to negative potentials with increasing basicity. Electrostatic effects at the n-InP/A1C1/sub 3/-BPC interface are invoked to explain these trends. Cyclic voltammetry revealed that ferrocene (Fe(Cp)/sub 2/) could be photoelectrochemically oxidized on n-InP in basic A1C1/sub 3/-BPC systems. In acidic systems, however, no photoeffects were observed. These results could be rationalized under the framework of the simplified energy band model proposed by previous authors for the semiconductor/electrolyte interface. Uphill photo-oxidation on anthracene (A) and diphenyl anthracene (DPA) could also be effected on n-InP electrodes in acidic (greater than or equal to about 1.25:1 composition) electrolytes. Although the general PEC behavior of the n-InP/A1C1/sub 3/-BPC interface was entirely consistent with the simple model, specific interaction of electroactive species, such as A and DPA, with the electrode surface did result in departures from model predictions.

• Research Organization: Department of Electrical Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
• OSTI ID: 5425486
• Journal Information: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 129:9; ISSN JESOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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