Recent advances in dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells for water splitting. Issue 3 (November 2019) - Zhang, Shicong
Highlights: DSPECs composed of dye and catalyst are a way to produce H2 by water splitting. The assembly methods of molecular dye and catalyst affect the performance of DSPECs. Core-shell structure improves the photocurrent by inhibiting back electron transfer. Tandem device with two light sensitizers can improve the theoretical efficiency. Abstract: Dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DSPECs) that can drive water splitting to generate solar fuel through the absorption of sun light, has attracted growing interest in the past decade. DSPECs consists of wide band gap nanoparticle metal oxide semiconductors and chromophore-catalyst assemblies, aiming to drive the two half reactions of water splitting at physically separated two compartments. Herein, we review the recent developments in the design of dye-sensitized photoanodes, photocathodes and tandem cells for water splitting, highlighting the strategies of sensitizers and catalysts assembly, core-shell electrodes fabrication and constructions of tandem device to enhance the efficiency and stability of water splitting DSPECs. Future challenges towards the development of more efficient and stable DSPECs are addressed in the end. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract