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Enhanced plasmon-mediated photo-assisted hydrogen evolution on silicon by interfacial modification

Bouabadi, B. and Aggour, M. and Lewerenz, H.-J. and Lublow, M. (2017) Enhanced plasmon-mediated photo-assisted hydrogen evolution on silicon by interfacial modification. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, 47 (4). pp. 457-466. ISSN 0021-891X. doi:10.1007/s10800-017-1055-4. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20170505-095702134

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Abstract

The superior catalytic activity of Pt towards proton reduction suggests application of Pt also in device architectures where hydrogen is produced by light-generated charge carriers. Large optical absorption cross sections of Pt nanoparticles, however, turn the attention to potential substitutes for Pt such as Au with more advantageous optical properties. In order to approach a functional Si/Au photocathode for hydrogen evolution, we report here on modifications of the Si–Au interface which result in improvements of charge transfer kinetics and optical properties of the device. After current-less deposition of Au nanoparticles onto silicon, these improvements are realized by chemical oxide exchange reactions at the Si/SiO_2/Au interface, i.e., dynamic etching of SiO_2 and re-oxidation of Si in NH_4F (40%). A chemical reaction route for the reformation of the SiO_2 layer in the presence of Au and the aqueous NH_4F solution is discussed. Simultaneous to the modification of the Si/SiO_2 interface, small Au nanoparticles form larger clusters with enhanced effective scattering cross sections. Thereby, improved electronic interface properties and enhanced forward scattering of light increase the saturation photocurrent density by about 9% from 32 to 35 mA cm^(−2). Improved stability of the device in acidic electrolytes, near the thermodynamic potential for evolution of hydrogen, is furthermore discussed.


Item Type:Article
Related URLs:
URLURL TypeDescription
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10800-017-1055-4DOIArticle
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Lewerenz, H.-J.0000-0001-8433-9471
Additional Information:© 2017 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht. Received: 23 November 2016; Accepted: 6 February 2017; Published online: 16 February 2017. The joint discussion and interpretation of the data and contributions to the manuscript (H.J.L.) was supported by the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, a DOE Energy Innovation Hub, supported through the Office of Science of the US Department of Energy under Award Number DE-SC0004993.
Group:JCAP
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
Department of Energy (DOE)DE-SC0004993
Issue or Number:4
DOI:10.1007/s10800-017-1055-4
Record Number:CaltechAUTHORS:20170505-095702134
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechAUTHORS:20170505-095702134
Official Citation:Bouabadi, B., Aggour, M., Lewerenz, HJ. et al. J Appl Electrochem (2017) 47: 457. doi:10.1007/s10800-017-1055-4
Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:77217
Collection:CaltechAUTHORS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:05 May 2017 17:03
Last Modified:15 Nov 2021 17:29

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