Core-shell nanorods for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

Abstract

We propose core-shell nanorods such as InP-CdS and InP-ZnTe to be photoelectrodes for efficient photoelectrochemical hydrogen production. Based on our systematic study using strain-dependent k.p theory, we find that in these heterostructures both energies and wave-function distributions of electrons and holes can be favorably tailored to a considerable extent by exploiting the interplay between quantum confinement and strain. Consequently, these core-shell nanorods with proper dimensions (height, core radius, and shell thickness) may simultaneously satisfy all criteria for effective photoelectrodes in solar-based hydrogen production.