Conformal chalcopyrite based photocathode for solar refinery applications

Abstract Photoelectrochemical properties of conformal photocathodes based on chalcopyrite built-in on flexible stainless steel foils are shown to give current density level higher than 30 mA cm −2 (0 V RHE ). These conformal photocathodes can become elements for developing new concepts for PEC cells to obtain solar fuels. The influence on the PEC characteristics of the protective anticorrosion layer based on TiO 2 film deposited by atomic layer deposition technique at very low temperature, 200 °C, and using TiCl 4 precursor are analyzed and discussed particularly taking into account the charge transport mechanisms through this layer. Likewise, buffer layer between the used n-type layer and the protective one such as i-ZnO and AZO layers have also been considered to facilitate high efficient photocathode design adaptable for new solar refinery applications for water splitting or CO 2 photoreduction. Improved photocurrent values are obtained with TiO 2 protective values of 100 nm.