Solution-grown 3D Cu<sub>2</sub>O networks for efficient solar water splitting

201448 citationsJournal Article

Authors

Alireza Kargar · University of California, San Diego

Soheil Seena Partokia · University of California, San Diego

Mu Niu · Chinese Academy of Sciences

Paniz Allameh · University of California, San Diego

Muchuan Yang · University of California, San Diego

Salomón May · University of California, San Diego

Justin S. Cheung

Abstract

We report a facile and large-scale solution fabrication of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanowires/nanorods and 3D porous Cu2O networks and their application as photocathodes for efficient solar water splitting. The growth mechanism and structural characterization of 3D porous Cu2O networks are studied in detail. The photocathodic performance of Cu2O electrodes prepared under different growth conditions is investigated in a pH-neutral medium. The porous Cu2O network photocathodes exhibit large photocurrent, high spectral photoresponse, and incident photon-to-current efficiency compared with Cu2O nanowire/nanorod photoelectrodes. The photoelectrochemical stability of the 3D Cu2O network is significantly improved by applying multi-layer metal oxide protection.

Topics & Keywords

Copper-based nanomaterials and applications Electronic and Structural Properties of Oxides ZnO doping and properties

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Clean water and sanitation

Publication Details

Published in: Nanotechnology

Volume 25, Issue 20, pp. 205401-205401

DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/25/20/205401

Field-Weighted Citation Impact: 2.92