Chemical solution synthesis of copper-based photocathode materials towards photoelectrochemical reduction of CO2

Abstract

Recently, there has been an interest in photoelectrochemical (PEC) conversion of CO 2 into fuels and chemical building blocks. To design such a system, we need appropriate semiconducting photoelectrodes. PEC limitations 1 : • Limited light absorption • Charge separation and transport • Photocorrosion • Selectivity Aqueous Cu precursor Conclusion:  CuFe 2 O 4 confirmed with Raman and XRD Outlook:  Material ready for CO 2 reduction tests Multi-metal precursor  Bandgap 2 : 1.4 eV  Natural p-type  Photochemical stability  Low onset potential  Bandgap 3 : 1.5 eV  Natural p-type  High stability  High conductivity  High photovoltage possible for CO 2 reduction Conclusion:  CuFeO 2 confirmed with Raman and XRD Outlook:  Material ready for CO 2 reduction tests Aqueous Cu precursor Aqueous Fe precursor Multi-metal precursor Gel Multi-metal precursor CuFe 2 O 4 powder