Architecture lattice-matched cauliflower-like CuO/ZnO p-n heterojunction toward efficient water splitting

BACKGROUND In photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, hydrogen and oxygen can be dissociated from water molecules on semiconductors by directly utilizing clean renewable solar energy. The key bottleneck of PEC water splitting is to design new types of photoelectrodes with long-term stability and high PEC performance. RESULTS Here, cauliflower-shaped p-n CuO/ZnO heterojunction photocathodes with lattice matching were synthesized using one-step electrodeposition and heat treatment. The results showed that the deposition of CuO and ZnO took place simultaneously. The proportion of CuO and ZnO varied with the electrodeposition time and calcination temperature and duration. The parallel lattice-matched CuO/ZnO heterojunction enhanced the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers, which accomplished a photocurrent density value of approximately -1.8 mA cm(-2) at a bias of 0 V-RHE in 0.5 mol L-1 Na2SO4 solution. CONCLUSIONS This work could provide a simplified strategy for the synthesis of p-n copper-based heterogeneous photocathodes for application in PEC water splitting. (c) 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Automated summary

A cauliflower-shaped p-n CuO/ZnO heterojunction photocathode with lattice matching was synthesized using one-step electrodeposition and heat treatment, achieving a high photocurrent density value. The parallel lattice-matched CuO/ZnO heterojunction enhanced the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers.