We report a new metal oxide composition that can serve as the photocatalyst in a photoelectrochemical cell. Spray pyrolysis and a combinatorial approach was utilized to synthesize and identify promising compositions, which are then evaluated for their ability to produce photocurrent under both positive and negative bias voltage. Metal oxide semiconductors show promise for the production of solar fuel because of their relative stability toward oxidation and low cost. Copper tungstates especially have been shown to be some of the most promising metal oxide photocatalysts. A new CuFeMgW quaternary material was discovered and the composition, deposition order, film thickness, and synthetic conditions optimized. Films were sprayed onto FTO glass substrates and their photoelectrochemical performance evaluated. SEM-EDS and XRD analysis was used to determine the elemental composition, film thickness, and specific crystal phases present in the film.<br/>

Optimization and characterization of high-performance CuFeMgW oxide based semiconductors for solar photocatalysis

251st National Meeting (2016)

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