A One‐Volt p ‐ InP / n ‐ CdSe Regenerative Photoelectrochemical Cell

Abstract

Features and performance of a two-photoelectrode regenerative photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell that yielded a combined photovoltage of more than one volt are reported. The photoanode was n-CdSe, the photocathode was p-InP, and the electrolyte was aqueous sulfide/polysulfide. Details of the fabrication process are provided, including formation of an ohmic contact by sputter deposited gold and then electroplating the photocathode with Zn, followed by a final sputtered gold layer. Tests under 100 mW/sq cm illumination of the unoptimized regenerative cell produced an open circuit voltage of 1.15 V, a short circuit current of 24 mA/sq cm, a fill factor of 0.40, and an overall efficiency of 5.5 percent.