Sol–gel synthesis of mesoporous CaFe2O4 photocathodes with hierarchical pore morphology†
Abstract
Calcium ferrite (CaFe2O4) thin film photoelectrodes with hierarchical pore morphology are produced by a simple sol–gel-based dip coating approach with a commercially available polymer as porogen. By short-term calcination at only 700 °C, a crystalline and phase-pure CaFe2O4 thin film with an average film thickness of 250 nm is obtained. Photoelectrochemical characterisation gives insights into the charge carrier dynamics of the p-type absorber material with regards to future application as an earth-abundant and high surface area photocathode.