Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting using solar energy is a good way to produce hydrogen as a clean fuel. We have studied copper chalcopyrite materials through 2 approaches. One is composition control to improve properties of these materials. Formation of ordered vacancy chalcopyrite (OVC) phase leads deepening of the ionization potential which results in higher flat band potential in photoelectrochemistry. The other approach is the introduction of multi-layered structures to the electrode. Surface modifications using n-type semiconducting materials like CdS leads formation of p-n-liquid junction. The p-n junction formations with proper thickness of n-type layers thicken depletion layers without formation of undesired barriers. In this presentation, effects of composition control onto the PEC properties of copper gallium chalcogenides and details of multi-layered electrodes will be discussed.

Cupper gallium selenide photocathodes for efficient water splitting

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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