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Efficient water reduction with gallium phosphide nanowires

Author

Listed:
  • Anthony Standing

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    BioSolar Cells)

  • Simone Assali

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Lu Gao

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Marcel A. Verheijen

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Philips Innovation Services Eindhoven)

  • Dick van Dam

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Yingchao Cui

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Peter H. L. Notten

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Forschungszentrum Jülich (IEK-9))

  • Jos E. M. Haverkort

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

  • Erik P. A. M. Bakkers

    (Eindhoven University of Technology
    Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology)

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical hydrogen production from solar energy and water offers a clean and sustainable fuel option for the future. Planar III/V material systems have shown the highest efficiencies, but are expensive. By moving to the nanowire regime the demand on material quantity is reduced, and new materials can be uncovered, such as wurtzite gallium phosphide, featuring a direct bandgap. This is one of the few materials combining large solar light absorption and (close to) ideal band-edge positions for full water splitting. Here we report the photoelectrochemical reduction of water, on a p-type wurtzite gallium phosphide nanowire photocathode. By modifying geometry to reduce electrical resistance and enhance optical absorption, and modifying the surface with a multistep platinum deposition, high current densities and open circuit potentials were achieved. Our results demonstrate the capabilities of this material, even when used in such low quantities, as in nanowires.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony Standing & Simone Assali & Lu Gao & Marcel A. Verheijen & Dick van Dam & Yingchao Cui & Peter H. L. Notten & Jos E. M. Haverkort & Erik P. A. M. Bakkers, 2015. "Efficient water reduction with gallium phosphide nanowires," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-7, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms8824
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8824
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