Copper gallium diselenide photocathodes for solar photoelectrolysis

Bjorn Marsen; Brian Cole; Susanne Dorn; Richard E. Rocheleau; Eric L. Miller

doi:10.1117/12.732737

11 September 2007 Copper gallium diselenide photocathodes for solar photoelectrolysis

Bjorn Marsen, Brian Cole, Susanne Dorn, Richard E. Rocheleau, Eric L. Miller

Proceedings Volume 6650, Solar Hydrogen and Nanotechnology II; 665006 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.732737
Event: Solar Energy + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Copper chalcopyrite films exhibit properties suitable for solar energy conversion processes such as direct bandgap, and excellent carrier transport. To explore the possibilities of solar-powered hydrogen production by photoelectrolysis using these materials, we have synthesized p-type polycrystalline CuGaSe₂ films by vacuum co-evaporation of the elemental constituents, and performed physical and electrochemical characterizations of the resulting films and electrodes. Based on CuGaSe₂ material with 1.65 eV bandgap, a 2.2 micron thick electrode exhibited an outdoor 1-sun photocurrent of 16 mA/cm², while a 0.9 micron thin device still produced 12.6 mA/cm² in conjunction with vigorous gas evolution. Flatband potential measurements and bias voltage requirements for saturation photocurrents indicate a valence band position to high for practical device implementation. Future photoelectrolysis devices may be based on copper chalcopyrites with lower valence band maximum in conjunction with a suitable auxiliary junction.

Citation Download Citation

Bjorn Marsen, Brian Cole, Susanne Dorn, Richard E. Rocheleau, and Eric L. Miller "Copper gallium diselenide photocathodes for solar photoelectrolysis", Proc. SPIE 6650, Solar Hydrogen and Nanotechnology II, 665006 (11 September 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.732737

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