Strategies for enhancing the photocurrent, photovoltage, and stability of photoelectrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting

To accelerate the deployment of hydrogen produced by renewable solar energy, several technologies have been competitively developed, including photoelectrochemical (PEC), photocatalytic, and photovoltaic-electrolysis routes. In this review, we place PEC in context with these competing technologies and highlight key advantages of PEC systems. After defining the unique performance metrics of the PEC water splitting system, recently developed strategies for enhancing each performance metric, such as the photocurrent density, photovoltage, fill factor, and stability are surveyed in conjunction with the relevant theoretical aspects. In addition, various advanced characterization methods are discussed, including…

• SN
  Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung

  Award: PYAPP2 160586
• NR
  National Research Foundation of Korea

  Award: 2012R1A3A2026417
• UZ
  Universität Zürich