Role of transition-metal electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution with Si-based photoanodes

A comprehensive understanding of the role of the electrocatalyst in photoelectrochemical(PEC)water splitting is central to improving its performance.Herein,taking the Si-based photoanodes(n^(+)p-Si/SiO_(x)/Fe/FeOx/MOOH,M=Fe,Co,Ni)as a model system,we investigate the effect of the transition-metal electrocatalysts on the oxygen evolution reaction(OER).Among the photoanodes with the three different electrocatalysts,the best OER activity,with a low-onset potential of∼1.01 VRHE,a high photocurrent density of 24.10 mA cm^(-2)at 1.23 VRHE,and a remarkable saturation photocurrent density of 38.82 mA cm^(-2),was obtained with the NiOOH overlayer under AM 1.5G simulated sunlight(100 mW cm^(-2))in 1 M KOH electrolyte.The optimal interfacial engineering for electrocatalysts plays a key role for achieving high performance because it promotes interfacial charge transport,provides a larger number of surface active sites,and results in higher OER activity,compared to other electrocatalysts.This study provides insights into how electrocatalysts function in water-splitting devices to guide future studies of solar energy conversion.

GaP/GaPN core/shell nanowire array on silicon for enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

Simultaneously improving the efficiency and stability on a large scale is significant for the development of photoelectrochemical(PEC)water splitting systems.Here,we demonstrated a novel design of GaP/GaPN core/shell nanowire(NW)decorated p-Si photocathode for improved PEC hydrogen production performance compared to that of bare p-Si photocathode.The formation of the p-n junction between p-Si and GaP NW promotes charge separation,and the lower conduction band position of GaPN relative to that of GaP further facilitates the transfer of photogenerated electrons to the electrode surface.In addition,the NW morphology both shortens the carrier collection distance and increases the specific surface area,which result in superior reaction kinetics.Moreover,introduction of N in GaP is beneficial for enhancing the light absorption as well as stability.Our efficient and facile strategy can be applied to other solar energy conversion systems as well.

Advanced polymer encapsulates for photovoltaic devices-A review

Photovoltaic(PV)technology has evolved as the major renewable power resource in the worldwide green energy sector to meet the future challenge of energy needs.The main barrier for the commercialization of this technology which is even estimated to contribute about 20% of the global energy supply by 2050 is the poor performance and stability of the PV modules in the outdoor climate.Encapsulation of PV modules is one among the multiple ways to mitigate these stability issues and it plays an important role in the enhancement of the device lifetime by providing a barrier structure to restrict the penetration of oxygen and moisture.This review summarizes the extensive progress made in the field of polymer encapsulate materials for PV modules and also providing current challenges and future perspectives in this area.