UC Berkeley

Electrocatalysts improve the efficiency of light-absorbing semiconductor photoanodes driving the oxygen evolution reaction, but the precise function(s) of the electrocatalysts remains unclear. We directly measure, for the first time, the interface carrier transport properties of a prototypical visible-light-absorbing semiconductor, α-Fe2O3, in contact with one of the fastest known water oxidation catalysts, Ni0.8Fe0.2O x , by directly measuring/controlling the current and/or voltage at the Ni0.8Fe0.2O x catalyst layer using a second working electrode. The measurements demonstrate that the majority of photogenerated holes in α-Fe2O3 directly transfer to the catalyst film over a wide range of conditions and that the Ni0.8Fe0.2O x is oxidized by photoholes to an operating potential sufficient to drive water oxidation at rates that match the photocurrent generated by the α-Fe2O3. The Ni0.8Fe0.2O x therefore acts as both a hole-collecting contact and a catalyst for the photoelectrochemical water oxidation process. Separate measurements show that the illuminated junction photovoltage across the α-Fe2O3|Ni0.8Fe0.2O x interface is significantly decreased by the oxidation of Ni2+ to Ni3+ and the associated increase in the Ni0.8Fe0.2O x electrical conductivity. In sum, the results illustrate the underlying operative charge-transfer and photovoltage generation mechanisms of catalyzed photoelectrodes, thus guiding their continued improvement.