Quantum Dots‐Based Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Evolution from Water Splitting

• Published in: Advanced energy materials Vol. 11; no. 12
• Main Authors: Jin, Lei, Zhao, Haiguang, Wang, Zhiming M., Rosei, Federico
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2021
• Subjects: Absorption spectra; Charge transfer; Composition; Excitons; hydrogen; Hydrogen evolution; Hydrogen production; Photocathodes; photoelectrochemical water splitting; Quantum confinement; Quantum dots; Solar energy conversion; solar technology; Ultraviolet spectra; Water splitting
• ISSN: 1614-6832; 1614-6840
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.202003233

Solar‐driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen evolution is a promising and sustainable approach to convert solar energy into a fuel that can be stored. Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are increasingly used in PEC devices due to their broad composition/size/shape tunable absorption spectrum (from ultraviolet to near‐infrared, with significant overlap with the solar spectrum). Despite significant efforts and recent progress, several major challenges remain unresolved in this fast‐developing field. Here, the latest progress in tailoring the materials, structure, and performance of QDs‐based PEC H2 generation, including photoanodes, photocathodes, and tandem PEC systems, is summarized. In particular, recent strategies developed for PEC H2 generation are critically analyzed. Specific features of QDs (e.g., size/shape/composition‐tunable absorption band edge arising from quantum confinement, ease of fabrication through chemical approaches, and multiple exciton generation), charge generation, and charge transfer of photoelectrodes and their implications on the performance of PEC devices are discussed. Future challenges and opportunities working, toward high‐efficiency and stable QDs‐based PEC applications are discussed in the conclusion. This progress report comprehensively covers the latest progress in tailoring the materials, structure, and performance of quantum dots (QDs) based photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen production from water splitting using solar energy, including photoanodes, photocathodes, and tandem systems. Particular attention is paid to the QDs engineering, PEC configuration, and electron/hole acceptors to tune the charge generation/separation/transfer dynamics, targeted at improving PEC performance.