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Layer-by-layer assembly: an emerging, tailored and robust platform for solar water splitting
Wen-Cheng Liu1, Yan-Qing Cai2, Fang-Xing Xiao1,3
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University New Campus Minhou Fujian Province 350108 China fxxiao@fzu.edu.cn.
Chemical Science
|September 15, 2025
Summary
Layer-by-layer assembly offers a versatile method for creating advanced photoelectrodes for solar water splitting. This review highlights recent progress in designing efficient photoanodes using this technique for renewable energy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting converts solar energy into chemical fuels.
- Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly is a flexible technique for fabricating complex nanostructures.
- Robust photoelectrode design for PEC water splitting requires further development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in LbL assembly for composite multilayer photoanodes.
- To highlight the role of diverse building blocks in enhancing PEC performance.
- To summarize strategies for optimizing charge transfer in PEC systems.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of composite multilayer photoanodes using LbL assembly.
- Integration of various substrates (metal oxides, sulfides) and building blocks (quantum dots, nanoparticles, nanosheets).
- Analysis of light absorption and solar water oxidation performance.
Main Results:
- LbL assembly enables precise control over photoelectrode nanostructure and interfaces.
- Diverse building blocks significantly enhance light absorption and catalytic activity.
- Strategies for directional charge transfer improve overall PEC efficiency.
Conclusions:
- LbL assembly is a promising technique for engineering high-performance PEC photoelectrodes.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges in LbL-based photoelectrode design.
- Smart design of nanostructured photoelectrodes is key for efficient solar energy conversion.
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