Conformal chalcopyrite based photocathode for solar refinery applications

CATEGORY: SOLAR REFINERY
Conformal chalcopyrite based photocathode for solar refinery applications

Type	Journal Article
Author	Carles Ros
Author	Teresa Andreu
URL	http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927024816000441
Publication	Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Date	2016
Abstract	Photoelectrochemical properties of conformal photocathodes based on chalcopyrite built-in on flexible stainless steel foils are shown to give current density level higher than 30 mA cm−2 (0 VRHE). These conformal photocathodes can become elements for developing new concepts for PEC cells to obtain solar fuels. The influence on the PEC characteristics of the protective anticorrosion layer based on TiO2 film deposited by atomic layer deposition technique at very low temperature, 200 °C, and using TiCl4 precursor were analyzed, taking into account the charge transport mechanisms through this layer. Likewise, buffer layer between the used n-type layer and the protective one such as i-ZnO and AZO layers have also been considered to facilitate high efficient photocathode design adaptable for new solar refinery applications for water splitting or CO2 photoreduction.