Ag2ZnSnS4/Mo-mesh photoelectrode prepared by electroplating for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation

Abstract

In this paper, n-type Ag₂ZnSnS₄ (AZTS) thin film was prepared by a simple electrodeposition and in situ sulfurization method on Mo-mesh substrate. Pristine AZTS photoanode yielded a photocurrent density of 4.0 mA cm⁻² at 0.6 V vs. RHE. In order to improve the stability of Ag₂ZnSnS₄ photoanode, TiO₂ offering more protection against the photo corrosion was deposited through an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. IPCE measurements were used to evaluate solar energy utilization efficiencies of AZTS and TiO₂/AZTS photoanodes, which showed 25% and 20% IPCE (510–530 nm) in water splitting reaction, respectively. The analysis of gas yield determined that the faradaic efficiency during the H₂ evolution process was over 90%. Furthermore, the reasons for the high photoelectrochemical performance of AZTS/Mo-mesh and mechanism of PEC H₂ evolution in system are discussed below.