A quantum dot sensitized catalytic porous silicon photocathode

Abstract

Solar fuels have attracted considerable attention as an alternative energy vector in the context of the dwindling supplies of the planet's non-renewable resources. The first step in solar fuel generation is often a photo-catalytic water splitting. Although a very large amount of work has been dedicated to optimise the photo-oxidation process (mostly based on titania), the development of highly efficient photocathodes is limited. In this paper, we report the fabrication and characterisation of a nano-structured photocathode using indium phosphide QDs and a bio-inspired Fe₂S₂(CO)₆ catalyst, p-type porous silicon photocathode. Our hybrid electrode system produced a photocurrent density of −1.2 mA cm⁻² with hydrogen evolution at low bias potentials.