Recent progress in photocathode interface engineering for
photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction reaction to C1 and C2+ products
Abstract
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems harness light absorption to initiate
chemical reactions, while electrochemical reactions facilitate the
conversion of reactants into desired products, ensuring more efficient
and sustainable energy conversion in PECs. Central to optimizing the
performance of PECs was the pivotal role played by interface
engineering. This intricate process involved manipulating material
interfaces at the atomic or nanoscale to enhance charge transfer,
improve catalytic activity, and address limitations associated with bulk
materials. The careful tuning of factors such as band gap, surface
energy, crystallinity, defect characteristics, and structural attributes
through interface engineering led to superior catalytic efficiency.
Specifically, interface engineering significantly enhanced the
efficiency of semiconductor-based PECs. Engineers strategically designed
heterojunctions and manipulated catalyst surface properties to optimize
the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers,
minimizing recombination losses and improving performance overall. In
this review, we categorized our discussion into five sections focusing
on PECs and interface engineering, providing valuable insights into
recent research trends. Overall, the synergy between PECs and interface
engineering holds tremendous promise for advancing renewable energy
technologies and addressing environmental challenges by offering
innovative solutions for sustainable energy conversion and storage.