Enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen production using silicon nanowires@MoS3

• Published in: Nano energy 2013-11, Vol.2 (6), p.1337-1346
• Main Authors: Huang, Zhipeng, Wang, Chifang, Pan, Lei, Tian, Feng, Zhang, Xuanxiong, Zhang, Chi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemistry; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrochemistry; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Hydrogen production; Materials; Materials science; Molybdenum sulfide; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Photoelectrochemistry. Electrochemiluminescence; Physics; Quantum wires; Silicon nanowires
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2013.06.016

The composite of silicon nanowires (SiNWs) and MoS3 (SiNWs@MoS3) was fabricated by a convenient method. In comparison with SiNWs, SiNWs@MoS3 exhibits remarkably enhanced photocurrent during photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. The photoelectrochemical performance of SiNWs@MoS3 is comparable to that of the composite of SiNWs and Pt nanoparticles (SiNWs@PtNPs). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments suggest that the enhanced performance of SiNWs@MoS3 can be attributed to small charge transfer resistance (i.e. fast H+ reduction kinetics ) at SiNWs@MoS3/electrolyte interface, and the large electrochemically active surface area of SiNWs@MoS3. High efficient silicon nanowires (SiNWs)@MoS3photocathode was fabricated by a convenient method. The SiNWs@MoS3 exhibit remarkably enhanced photoelectrochemical hydrogen production, in comparison with the pristine silicon nanowires. The hydrogen production capability of silicon nanowires@MoS3 is also comparable to that of SiNWs@Pt nanoparticles. The superior photoelectrochemical hydrogen production ability of SiNWs@MoS3 can be ascribed to small charge transfer resistance (i.e. faradic reaction kinetics) at SiNWs@MoS3/electrolyte interface and large photoelectrochemical active area of SiNWs@MoS3. [Display omitted] •A high efficiency and low-cost photocathode for hydrogen production is demonstrated.•Composite of silicon nanowires and molybdenum sulfide can be fabricated by a convenient method.•Electrochemical measurements reveal the origin of enhancement in photoelectrochemical performance.