Recent progress and perspectives on Sb2Se3-based photocathodes for solar hydrogen production via photoelectrochemical water splitting

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells involved with semiconductor electrodes can simultaneously absorb solar energy and perform chemical reactions, which are considered as an attractive strategy to produce renewable and clean hydrogen energy. Sb2Se3 has been widely investigated in constructing PEC photocathodes benefitting of its low toxicity, suitable band gap, superior optoelectronic properties, and outstanding photocorrosion stability. We first present a brief overview of basic concepts and principles of PEC water splitting as well as a comparison between Sb2Se3 and other numerous candidates. Then the material characteristics and preparation methods of Sb2Se3 are introduced. The development of Sb2Se3-based photocathodes in PEC water splitting with various architectures and engineering efforts (i.e., absorber engineering, interfaces engineering, co-catalyst engineering and tandem engineering) to improve solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency are highlighted. Finally, we debate the possible future directions to further explore the researching fields of Sb2Se3-based photocathodes with a strongly positive outlook in PEC processed solar hydrogen production.