Nanonet-based hematite heteronanostructures for efficient solar water splitting.
J Am Chem Soc
; 133(8): 2398-401, 2011 Mar 02.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21306153
ABSTRACT
We report the highest external quantum efficiency measured on hematite (α-Fe(2)O(3)) without intentional doping in a water-splitting environment 46% at λ = 400 nm. This result was enabled by the introduction of TiSi(2) nanonets, which are highly conductive and have suitably high surface areas. The nanonets serve a dual role as a structural support and an efficient charge collector, allowing for maximum photon-to-charge conversion. Without the addition of any oxygen-evolving catalysts, we obtained photocurrents of 1.6 and 2.7 mA/cm(2) at 1.23 and 1.53 V vs RHE, respectively. These results highlight the importance of charge transport in semiconductor-based water splitting, particularly for materials whose performance is limited by poor charge diffusion. Our design introduces material components to provide a dedicated charge-transport pathway, alleviating the reliance on the materials' intrinsic properties, and therefore has the potential to greatly broaden where and how various existing materials can be used in energy-related applications.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Titânio
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Água
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Compostos Férricos
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Silicatos
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Nanoestruturas
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2011
Tipo de documento:
Article