A Search for Suitable Water-Splitting Electrodes Using SEAL and HARPOON

Abstract

The search for suitable electrodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting extends across the periodic table. While III-V semiconductors exhibit superior light gathering properties, metal oxide semiconductors generally cost less and are more robust. The Solar Energy Activity Laboratory (SEAL) and the Heterogeneous Anodes Rapidly Perused for Oxygen Overpotential Neutralization (HARPOON) are simple experiments that can quickly scan for suitable oxide semiconductors. The SEAL experiment measures photocurrent and the HARPOON experiment measures oxygen production efficiency. Electrodes made of oxides of Fe, In, Ga, Ru, W, and Zn were produced in our laboratory and evaluated using the SEAL and HARPOON experiments. The relative performance of these oxides and their mixtures were evaluated.