Direct Hydrogen Evolution from Saline Water Reduction at Neutral pH using Organic Photocathodes

作者：Haro Marta; Solis Claudia; Blas Ferrando Vicente M; Margeat Olivier; Ben Dhkil Sadok; Videlot Ackermann Christine; Ackermann Jorg; Di Fonzo Fabio; Guerrero Antonio^*; Gimenez Sixto^*

来源：Chemsuschem, 2016, 9(21): 3062-3066.

DOI：10.1002/cssc.201600961

• hydrogen
• organic photoelectrochemical cells
• selective contacts
• solar fuels
• water splitting

Here, we have developed an organic photocathode for water reduction to H-2, delivering more than 1 mA cm(-2) at 0 V versus RHE and above 3 mA cm(-2) at -0.5 V versus RHE with moderate stability under neutral pH conditions. The initial competitive reduction of water to H-2 and ZnO to metallic Zn is responsible for the dynamic behaviour of both photocurrent and Faradaic efficiency of the device, which reaches 100% Faradaic efficiency after 90 min operation. In any case, outstanding stable H-2 flow of approximately 2 mu mol h(-1) is measured over 1 h at 0 V versus RHE and at neutral pH, after equilibrium between the Zn2+/Zn-0 concentration in the AZO film is reached. This achievement opens new avenues for the development of allsolution-processed organic photoelectrochemical cells for the solar generation of H-2 from sea water.

• 出版日期2016-11-9