Issue 5, 2024

Recent advances on three-dimensional ordered macroporous metal oxide-based photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, using semiconductor photoelectrodes to convert solar energy into clean hydrogen energy, is a promising solution to simultaneously address the problems of traditional fossil energy shortage and environmental pollution. In the past decades, substantial research development has been made on metal oxide-based photoelectrodes with ordered structures. Specifically, three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) structures are advantageous in improving light absorption efficiency through a slow photon effect, multiple-light scattering and anti-reflection, as well as enhancing the charge transport, separation and collection efficiency through a 3D ordered interconnection porous structure. In this review, we first provide a brief introduction to the mechanism and technique for promoting PEC water splitting. Then the benefits of 3DOM photoelectrodes, and effective strategies to improve the overall performances of PEC water splitting are discussed. Subsequently, recent advances in 3DOM metal oxide-based photoelectrodes including TiO2, ZnO, WO3, Fe2O3, BiVO4, and Cu2O are summarized. Insights are also provided on the challenges and future development of ordered macroporous photoelectrodes for PEC water splitting.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances on three-dimensional ordered macroporous metal oxide-based photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
07 sept. 2023
Accepted
01 déc. 2023
First published
01 déc. 2023

Mater. Chem. Front., 2024,8, 1230-1249

Recent advances on three-dimensional ordered macroporous metal oxide-based photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting

R. Jia, Y. Wang, A. Li and C. Cheng, Mater. Chem. Front., 2024, 8, 1230 DOI: 10.1039/D3QM00990D

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