Photoelectrochemical energy conversion obtained with ultrathin organo-metallic-chemical-vapor-deposition layer of FeS[sub 2] (pyrite) on TiO[sub 2]

Journal Article · Tue Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · Journal of the Electrochemical Society; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2221255· OSTI ID:6861096

Ennaoui, A; Fiechter, S; Tributsch, H ^[1]; Giersig, M; Vogel, R; Weller, H ^[2]

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1. Abt. Solare Energetik, Hahn-Meitner-Inst., D-1000 Berlin 39 (Germany)
2. Abt. Photochemie, Hahn-Meitner-Inst., D-1000 Berlin 39 (Germany)

Ultrathin (10 to 20 nm thick), polycrystalline films of FeS[sub 2] (pyrite) were grown on TiO[sub 2] (anatase) by chemical vapor deposition. The FeS[sub 2] films were characterized using optical absorption and high-resolution electron microscopy. Photoelectrochemical solar cells, using TiO[sub 2] (anatase) coated with FeS[sub 2] ultrathin films, generated high open-circuit photo-voltages, of up to 600 mV, compared with a single crystal of pyrite electrode (200 mV). The photoelectrochemical behavior shows a strong dependence of photovoltage and photocurrent on the pH of the solution. This paper reports that it is explained by electron injection from the conduction band of FeS[sub 2] to the conduction band of TiO[sub 2]. Regeneration of holes is taking place by electron transfer from the redox system in the electrolyte.

• OSTI ID: 6861096
• Journal Information: Journal of the Electrochemical Society; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society; (United States) Vol. 139:9; ISSN 0013-4651; ISSN JESOAN
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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