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Intrinsic Charge-Carrier Transport Limitations in ZnFe2O4 Revealed by Time-Resolved Microwave Conductivity
Rohit Kumar Saini1, Kumaraswamy Miriyala1, Dmitrii Chernykh1
1Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410500, Israel.
Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) shows poor solar water splitting performance due to low carrier yield and mobility. This study reveals inherent limitations in ZnFe2O4
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photochemistry
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) is a promising photoanode for solar water splitting.
- Its performance is currently inferior to established materials like hematite (α-Fe2O3).
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the charge carrier dynamics in epitaxial ZnFe2O4 thin films.
- Understand the limitations hindering ZnFe2O4's photoelectrochemical efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilized time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) measurements.
- Analyzed carrier yield-mobility product and photoconductance action spectra.
Main Results:
- ZnFe2O4 exhibits a carrier yield-mobility product one order of magnitude lower than hematite.
- Photoconductance action spectra deviate from optical absorption, indicating wavelength-dependent carrier generation.
- Near-band-edge excitation yields reduced photoconductivity, with many photons not producing mobile carriers.
Conclusions:
- Inherent limitations in carrier yield and transport properties restrict ZnFe2O4 performance.
- Findings provide a mechanistic explanation for ZnFe2O4's observed photoelectrochemical behavior and external quantum efficiency (EQE).
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