Heterostructure of Si and CoSe2: A Promising Photocathode Based on a Non-noble Metal Catalyst for Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Journal
Angewandte Chemie-International Edition
Journal Volume
54
Journal Issue
21
Pages
6211-6216
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Basu, Mrinmoyee
Zhang, Zhi-Wei
Chen, Po-Tzu
Yang, Kai-Chih
Ma, Chong-Geng
Lin, Chun Che
Hu, Shu-Fen
Abstract
Development of a solar water splitting device requires design of a low-cost, efficient, and non-noble metal compound as alternative to noble metals. For the first time, we showed that CoSe2 can function as co-catalyst in phototoelectrochemical hydrogen production. We designed a heterostructure of p-Si and marcasite-type CoSe2 for solar-driven hydrogen production. CoSe2 successively coupled with p-Si can act as a superior photocathode in the solar-driven water splitting reaction. Photocurrents up to 9 mA cm-2 were achieved at 0 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the high photocurrents can be attributed to low charge transfer resistance between the Si and CoSe2 interfaces and that between the CoSe2 and electrolyte interfaces. Our results suggest that this CoSe2 is a promising alternative co-catalyst for hydrogen evolution. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Subjects
cobalt selenide; hydrogen evolution; nanorods; semi-metals; water splitting
SDGs
Other Subjects
Catalysts; Charge transfer; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Metals; Nanorods; Photocathodes; Precious metals; Silicon; Solar power generation; Sulfide minerals; Charge transfer resistance; Cobalt selenide; Hydrogen evolution; Non-noble metal catalysts; Photoelectrochemical hydrogen; Reversible hydrogen electrodes; Water splitting; Water splitting reactions; Hydrogen production
Type
journal article