Solar hydrogen generation by silicon nanowires modified with platinum nanoparticle catalysts by atomic layer deposition

Abstract

Covered with Pt: A uniform catalyst profile that ensures effective radial charge collection from high-aspect-ratio Si nanowires was achieved by atomic layer deposition of Pt nanoparticles. The resulting photoelectrode permits the measurement of high photovoltages and low overpotentials, and leads to very good stability against photooxidation of Si nanowires in solar water-reduction reactions.

Keywords: hydrogen; photoelectrochemistry; silicon nanowires; solar energy conversion; water splitting.