Seebeck-voltage-triggered self-biased photoelectrochemical water splitting using HfO_x/SiO_x bi-layer protected Si photocathodes.

ABSTRACT: The use of a photoelectrochemical device is an efficient method of converting solar energy into hydrogen fuel via water splitting reactions. One of the best photoelectrode materials is Si, which absorbs a broad wavelength range of incident light and produces a high photocurrent level (~44 mA·cm^-2). However, the maximum photovoltage that can be generated in single-junction Si devices (~0.75 V) is much lower than the voltage required for a water splitting reaction (>1.6 V). In addition, the Si surface is electrochemically oxidized or reduced when it comes into direct contact with the aqueous electrolyte. Here, we propose the hybridization of the photoelectrochemical device with a thermoelectric device, where the Seebeck voltage generated by the thermal energy triggers the self-bia

SUBMITTER: Jung JY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6591395 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature