Tailoring the optoelectronic properties of eco‐friendly <scp>CuGaS₂</scp>/<scp>ZnSe</scp> core/shell quantum dots for boosted photoelectrochemical solar hydrogen production

Abstract

Abstract Low‐cost and high‐performance photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production based on eco‐friendly colloidal core/shell quantum dots (QDs) represents a newly developing solar technology toward carbon neutrality. Herein, we present the synthesis of a novel type of environment‐friendly CuGaS 2 (CGS)/ZnSe core/shell QDs with shell thicknesses‐tunable optoelectronic properties. As compared to CGS bare QDs, the prepared CGS/ZnSe core/shell QDs show enhanced visible light absorbance, emerging photoluminescence emission, tunable exciton lifetime, and improved photo‐stability. As a proof‐of‐concept, these eco‐friendly CGS/ZnSe core/shell QDs were applied as light sensitizers in a solar‐driven PEC hydrogen production system, delivering a nearly six times higher photocurrent density and improved device durability with respect to that of CGS core QDs under standard one sun AM 1.5G illumination. Our findings imply that such eco‐friendly core/shell QDs with tailored optoelectronic properties hold great potential for future “green” QDs‐based solar energy technologies. image