The first application of n-Si as an efficient photoelectrode for the photoelectrolysis of water is reported. The Si surface has been coated with a thin layer of iron-oxide to overcome corrosion problems in an electrolyte. By using this heterostructure electrode as a photoanode in a photo-electrochemical cell, O 2 -evolution currents as high as 50 mA/cm 2 have been attained under an illumination of 0.1 W/cm 2 (1 sun). The highly efficient conversion of light into photocurrent has been attributed to efficient hole injection from the Si substrate across the interface of the heterostructure.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Morisaki et al. (1980) studied this question.