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Nanoscale semiconductor/catalyst interfaces in photoelectrochemistry.

Forrest A L Laskowski¹, Sebastian Z Oener¹, Michael R Nellist¹

¹Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.

Nature Materials

|October 9, 2019

Summary

Researchers developed a new method to measure nanoscale interfaces in photoelectrochemical devices. This technique reveals how semiconductor-catalyst contacts enhance selectivity for efficient solar fuel production.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Electrochemistry
Nanotechnology

Background:

Photoelectrochemical devices utilize semiconductor-nanoparticle interfaces for fuel production.
Efficient energy conversion requires charge-carrier-selective contacts between semiconductors and catalysts.
Understanding nanoscale interfacial properties under operating conditions is crucial but challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop methods for measuring nanoscale interfacial properties in photoelectrochemical systems.
To investigate the electron-transfer processes at semiconductor/catalyst interfaces.
To identify design principles for optimizing charge-carrier selectivity in photoelectrochemical devices.

Main Methods:

Utilized a model system of n-type silicon/nickel (n-Si/Ni) photoanode.
Employed potential-sensing atomic force microscopy (AFM) for nanoscale measurements.
Mapped photovoltage generation during photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution.

Main Results:

Demonstrated the ability to perform nanoscale operando measurements of contact properties.
Discovered a nanoscale size-dependent pinch-off effect enhancing hole selectivity at n-Si/Ni interfaces.
Identified a mechanism for controlling electron and hole flow at semiconductor/catalyst junctions.

Conclusions:

Nanoscale operando measurements of interfacial properties are feasible under practical photoelectrochemical conditions.
A design principle involving nanoscale pinch-off can enhance selectivity in semiconductor/catalyst contacts.
These findings are broadly applicable to improving various photoelectrochemical devices for energy conversion and storage.