Sustainable Harvesting of Solar Energy Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Department
Chemistry
Major
Chemistry
Research Advisor
Switzer, Jay A., 1950-
Advisor's Department
Chemistry
Funding Source
DOE project # DE-FG02-08ER46518
Missouri S&T Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experiences (OURE) Program
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising method for providing clean, renewable energy. Silicon is a very effective light absorber; however, silicon easily oxidizes to SiO2. In this project, cobalt and a codeposit of cobalt, nickel, and iron are used to protect silicon from surface passivation. These materials provide long-term stability during photoelectrochemical water oxidation. Additionally, cobalt can be photo-oxidized to CoOOH, an effective water oxidation catalyst. The n-Si/Co/CoOOH thin film produced photocurrent of approximately 35 mA/cm2 at 0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl and showed a photocurrent onset potential of approximately 0.08 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The codeposit of cobalt, nickel, and iron has shown improved catalytic properties with a photocurrent onset potential of approximately 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. While characterization of these films is ongoing, the use of metal/metal oxide thin films as a protective layer to prevent silicon oxidation shows great promise for use in photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Biography
Alan is a Junior in Chemistry from Gainesville, Missouri. Alan is involved in several organizations at Missouri S&T, including Christian Campus Fellowship, Toastmasters International, and Alpha Chi Sigma. Alan has also volunteered as an Opening Week Mentor. After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree, Alan plans to attend graduate school to continue his studies in Chemistry.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Document Type
Presentation
Award
Sciences oral presentation, First place
Location
Carver Room
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Sustainable Harvesting of Solar Energy Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Carver Room
Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising method for providing clean, renewable energy. Silicon is a very effective light absorber; however, silicon easily oxidizes to SiO2. In this project, cobalt and a codeposit of cobalt, nickel, and iron are used to protect silicon from surface passivation. These materials provide long-term stability during photoelectrochemical water oxidation. Additionally, cobalt can be photo-oxidized to CoOOH, an effective water oxidation catalyst. The n-Si/Co/CoOOH thin film produced photocurrent of approximately 35 mA/cm2 at 0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl and showed a photocurrent onset potential of approximately 0.08 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The codeposit of cobalt, nickel, and iron has shown improved catalytic properties with a photocurrent onset potential of approximately 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. While characterization of these films is ongoing, the use of metal/metal oxide thin films as a protective layer to prevent silicon oxidation shows great promise for use in photoelectrochemical water splitting.
