Fundamental Science for Enhancing the Durability of Photoelectrodes for Solar Fuels Production: Final Technical Report

Abstract

During the award period, we performed a series of investigations to address a key bottleneck in solar-driven fuel production, which is materials stability. Regardless of the activity of electrocatalysts or selectivity of products, or efficiency of the light absorbers, if the systems are not stable then there is no ultimate technological relevance for solar fuels production. Degradation of semiconductor photoelectrodes is a well-known, long-recognized impediment to implementation of practical stable solar fuels systems. Thus, we aimed to define the thermodynamics and kinetics of the (electro)chemical processes that underpin corrosion of semiconductor photoelectrodes. We also sought to develop protective coatings and kinetic control strategies to extend durability of semiconductor photoelectrodes

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