Photoelectrochemical Behavior and Light‐Induced Anodic Transformation of Zirconium Trisulfide

Abstract

n‐type , a semiconductor with a bandgap of approximately 2.1 eV turned out to be a photoelectrochemical material with large anodic photocurrents and low dark currents. In contrast to , , and many other sulfides which derive their valence band mainly from sulfur p‐states, is interestingly not photo‐oxidized to molecular sulfur and metal ions. Instead, there is a photoreaction involving water, and the originally bright red crystal is gradually converted into a white one containing oxygen without losing much of its original shape and consistency. The occurrence of sulfur in the form of in this material, as well as the possibility of intercalating oxidation products of water, is considered the reason for this particular photo‐oxidation mechanism. It might open new ways for the understanding and control of photocorrosion.