Preprint

PUBDB-2023-05955

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Operando X-ray scattering elucidates the photocorrosion mechanism of CuBi$_2$O$_4$ films

Derelli, D.Extern* ; Caddeo, F.Extern* ; Frank, K.Extern*XFEL.EU* ; Krötzsch, K.Extern* ; Ewerhardt, P.Extern* ; Krüger, M. ; Medicus, S.Extern* ; Klemeyer, L.DESY* ; Skiba, M.Extern* ; Gutowski, O.DESY* ; Dippel, A.-C. ; Parak, W. J.Extern* ; Nickel, B.Extern* ; Koziej, D. (Corresponding author)Extern*

2023

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.26434/chemrxiv-2023-j1q9w  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2023-05955

Abstract: CuBi2O4 has recently emerged as a promising photocathode for photo-electrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, its fast degradation under operation currently poses a limit to its application. Here, we report a novel method to study operando the semiconductor-electrolyte interface during PEC operation by surface-sensitive high-energy X-ray scattering. We find that a fast decrease in the generated photocurrents correlates directly with the formation of a metallic Bi phase. We further show that the slower formation of metallic Cu, as well as the dissolution of the electrode in contact with the electrolyte, further affect the CuBi$_2$O$_4$ activity and morphology. Our study provides a comprehensive picture of the degradation mechanisms affecting CuBi$_2$O$_4$ electrodes under operation and poses the methodological basis to investigate the photocorrosion processes affecting a wide range of PEC materials.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. DOOR-User (DOOR ; HAS-User)
2. Experimentebetreuung PETRA III (FS-PET-D)
3. Uni Hamburg / Physik (UNI/PHY)

Research Program(s):

1. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)
2. 6G3 - PETRA III (DESY) (POF4-6G3) (POF4-6G3)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P07 (PETRA III)

Appears in the scientific report 2023

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