The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters · 2013 · 82 citations · 37 references
Natural SciencesChemistryMaterials ScienceElectrochemistrySemiconductor MaterialsSurface ChemistryElectrochemical CellsElectrochemical KineticsElectrode KineticsElectrode MaterialsPhotoelectrochemical MaterialsPhotoelectrochemistryCyclic Voltammetry KineticsElectrochemical CharacterizationElectrochemical ModelingSolar Fuel GenerationSurface Oxidation StatesSurface Potential AnalysisSurface StatesVoltammetry
A simple model is proposed that allows interpretation of the cyclic voltammetry diagrams obtained experimentally for photoactive semiconductors with surface states or catalysts used for fuel production from sunlight. When the system is limited by charge transfer from the traps/catalyst layer and by detrapping, it is shown that only one capacitive peak is observable and is not recoverable in the return voltage scan. If the system is limited only by charge transfer and not by detrapping, two symmetric capacitive peaks can be observed in the cathodic and anodic directions. The model appears as a useful tool for the swift analysis of the electronic processes that limit fuel production.
37