Issue 3, 2025

Interface engineering for photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting provides a promising approach for solving sustainable energy challenges and achieving carbon neutrality goals. The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a key bottleneck in the PEC water-splitting system occurring at the photoanode/electrolyte interface, plays a fundamental role in sustainable solar fuel production. Proper surface or interface engineering strategies have been proven to be necessary to achieve efficient and stable PEC water oxidation. This review summarizes the recent advances in interface engineering, including junction formation, surface doping, surface passivation or protection, surface sensitization, and OER cocatalyst modification, while highlighting the remarkable research achievements in the field of PEC water splitting. The benefits of each interface engineering strategy and how it enhances the device performance are critically analyzed and compared. Finally, the outlook for the development of interface engineering for efficient PEC water splitting is briefly discussed. This review illustrates the importance of employing rational interface engineering in realizing efficient and stable PEC water splitting devices.

Graphical abstract: Interface engineering for photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
06 Oct 2024
First published
16 Dec 2024

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2025,54, 1268-1317

Interface engineering for photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction

Y. Xiao, J. Fu, Y. Pihosh, K. Karmakar, B. Zhang, K. Domen and Y. Li, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2025, 54, 1268 DOI: 10.1039/D4CS00309H

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