BiSI Micro-Rod Thin Films: Efficient Solar Absorber Electrodes?
The development of improved solar energy conversion materials is critical to the growth of a sustainable energy infrastructure in the coming years. We report the deposition of polycrystalline BiSI thin films exhibiting promising photoelectrochemical properties on both metal foils and fluorine-doped tin-oxide-coated glass slides using a single-source chemical spray pyrolysis technique. Their strong light absorption in the visible range and well-crystallized layered structure give rise to their excellent photoelectrochemical performance through improved electron-hole generation and separation. The structure and surface composition of the films are dependent on deposition temperature, resulting in dramatic differences in performance over the temperature range studied. These results reveal the potential of n-BiSI as an alternative thin film solar energy conversion material and may stimulate further investigation into V-VI-VII compounds for these applications.
Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Electrochemistry, Texas Materials Institute, Center for Nano- and Molecular Science, The University of Texas at Austin, C0400 Austin, Texas 78712, United States.
Nathan T
NT
Hahn
Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Electrochemistry, Texas Materials Institute, Center for Nano- and Molecular Science, The University of Texas at Austin, C0400 Austin, Texas 78712, United States.
Jeffrey L
JL
Self
Department of Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Electrochemistry, Texas Materials Institute, Center for Nano- and Molecular Science, The University of Texas at Austin, C0400 Austin, Texas 78712, United States.
C Buddie
CB
Mullins
metal sulfides; photoelectrochemical; photovoltaics; semiconductors; solar cells; spray pyrolysis