Improved performance of 3CSiC photocathodes by using a pn junction. (7th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ichikawa, Naoto; Ichimura, Masaya; Kato, Masashi
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 42:Number 36(2017)
• Page Start: 22698
• Page End: 22703
• Publication Date: 2017-09-07
• Subjects: 3C-SiC -- Photocathode -- pn junction -- Solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2017.07.158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: To improve the performance of 3CSiC photocathodes, we formed a pn junction at the 3CSiC surface. Using current–voltage measurements for Schottky contacts on 3CSiC, the Schottky barrier height and depletion layer width of 3CSiC having a pn junction was observed to be larger than those of 3CSiC without the junction. By measuring photocurrent and spectral responses, the 3CSiC photocathodes with the pn junction exhibited larger photocurrent and higher quantum efficiencies compared with 3CSiC without the pn junction. Using a Pt cocatalyst on the 3CSiC photocathode with the pn junction, the solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency was measured at 0.72%. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Performance of 3CSiC photoelectrode was improved by using pn junction. Schottky barrier height of Ni/3CSiC interface for 3CSiC with pn junction is higher than that for p-type 3CSiC. 3CSiC photocathodes with pn junction show large photocurrent and high quantum efficiencies. Solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiency shows 0.72% for 3CSiC photoelectrode with pn junction and Pt cocatalyst. Hydrogen and oxygen volumes were confirmed by gas chromatography and oxygen sensor, respectively. .