Design of photoanode-based dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells assembling with transition metal complexes for visible light-induced water splitting

Dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DS-PECs) are receiving increasing attention as a novel pathway for visible light-induced water splitting for hydrogen. As well-known, the whole water-splitting process consists of two parts, oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for water oxidation and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for proton reduction, occurring at (photo)anode and (photo)cathode, respectively. Water oxidation reaction is the key rate-determining step in water splitting for its four electrons transfer period. So the assembly of efficient and stable photoanode is an essential part of DS-PECs. Herein, we summarize the recent developments of photoanodes based dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (PA-DS-PECs) with a focus on their design, assembly, and performance. Based on the results discussed, the current challenges are briefly presented and several future opportunities are proposed. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier B.V.