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More than protection: the function of TiO2 interlayers in hematite functionalized Si photoanodes
Anurag Kawde1, Alagappan Annamalai, Anita Sellstedt
1Umeå University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Sweden.
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|December 9, 2020
Summary
This study reveals that a titanium dioxide (TiO2) interlayer in photo-electrochemical cells not only prevents silicon corrosion but also enhances solar fuel production by trapping electrons. This improves overall photocatalytic efficiency for water splitting.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Photo-electrochemical (PEC) cells are crucial for solar energy storage.
- Semiconductors in PECs require protective interlayers against corrosion.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is commonly used as a protective interlayer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the multifaceted role of a mesoporous TiO2 interlayer in a silicon-based photoanode.
- To understand how TiO2 influences the performance of alpha-iron oxide (α-Fe2O3) nanorods for water splitting.
- To elucidate the mechanism behind improved photocatalytic efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 1-D n-Si microwires (MWs) with a mesoporous TiO2 interlayer and α-Fe2O3 nanorods.
- Utilized high-energy resolution fluorescence detected X-ray absorption near edge structure (HERFD-XANES) spectroscopy.
- Employed X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and standard characterization techniques.
Main Results:
- The TiO2 interlayer effectively protected the n-Si MWs from corrosion.
- TiO2 served as a template for α-Fe2O3 nanorod growth, enhancing photocatalysis.
- Stable oxygen vacancies at the TiO2/α-Fe2O3 interface acted as electron traps, reducing charge recombination.
Conclusions:
- The TiO2 interlayer plays a dual role: protection and performance enhancement in PEC devices.
- Oxygen vacancies at the interface are key to reducing charge recombination and boosting efficiency.
- This research provides insights into designing efficient semiconductor-based solar fuel systems.
