Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction by a Molecular Cobalt(II) Catalyst on Planar and Nanostructured Si Surfaces. Issue 37 (4th August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: He, Da; Jin, Tong; Li, Wei; Pantovich, Sebastian; Wang, Dunwei; Li, Gonghu
• Is Part Of: Chemistry. Volume 22:Issue 37(2016)
• Page Start: 13064
• Page End: 13067
• Publication Date: 2016-08-04
• Subjects: molecular catalysts -- nanostructures -- photoelectrochemistry -- silicon -- solar fuels; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201603068
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-6539

Abstract

Abstract: In the presence of a molecular Co II catalyst, CO2 reduction occurred at much less negative potentials on Si photoelectrodes than on an Au electrode. The addition of 1 % H2 O significantly improved the performance of the Co II catalyst. Photovoltages of 580 and 320 mV were obtained on Si nanowires and a planar Si photoelectrode, respectively. This difference likely originated from the fact that the multifaceted Si nanowires are better in light harvesting and charge transfer than the planar Si surface. Abstract : Bring to light : Photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction was achieved by coupling a molecular Co II catalyst with Si photoelectrodes. The presence of a small amount of water significantly improved the performance of the Co II catalyst. A much greater photovoltage was obtained on Si nanowires than on a planar Si photoelectrode due to the multifaceted feature and better light harvesting of Si nanowires.