Enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen production from silicon nanowire array photocathode

Nano Lett. 2012 Jan 11;12(1):298-302. doi: 10.1021/nl203564s. Epub 2011 Dec 13.

Abstract

Herein we report that silicon nanowires (SiNWs) fabricated via metal-catalyzed electroless etching yielded a photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation performance superior to that of a planar Si, which is attributed to a lower kinetic overpotential due to a higher surface roughness, favorable shift in the flat-band potential, and light-trapping effects of the SiNW surface. The SiNW photocathode yielded a photovoltage of 0.42 V, one of the highest values ever reported for hydrogen generation on p-type Si/electrolyte interfaces.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrodes*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Hydrogen / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen / isolation & purification
  • Light
  • Materials Testing
  • Silicon / chemistry*
  • Silicon / radiation effects*
  • Titanium / chemistry*

Substances

  • titanium dioxide
  • Hydrogen
  • Titanium
  • Silicon