Detailed mechanistic understanding of the optoelectronic features is a key factor in designing efficient and stable photoelectrodes. In situ spectroelectrochemical methods and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provides an opportunity to scrutinize the effect of trap states on the optical and electronic properties of different semiconductors, and to assess their stability against (photo)electrochemical corrosion. Different metal oxides and halides were studied, and results gathered for TiO2, NiO and CuI will be presented in this talk. The absorption bands in the UV-visible spectrum and the Raman spectral features were directly influenced by the applied bias potential. These spectral changes exhibit a good correlation with the alterations observed in the electrical conductivity. Interestingly, the population/depopulation of the trap states, that are responsible for both the changes in the optical and electronic properties, occur in a different potential/energy regime. These insights are also important for solar cell research where different semiconductors are often employed as charge carrier-transporting materials.

Optoelectronic properties of semiconductor photoelectrodes

2019 Spring National Meeting

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