Ultrastable halide perovskite CsPbBr3 photoanodes achieved with electrocatalytic glassy-carbon and boron-doped diamond sheets
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2024-03-30 |
| Journal | Nature Communications |
| Authors | Zhonghui Zhu, MĂĄtyĂĄs DabĂłczi, M. J. Chen, Yimin Xuan, Xianglei Liu |
| Institutions | Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Imperial College London |
| Citations | 22 |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Analysis: Ultrastable Halide Perovskite Photoanodes
Section titled âTechnical Documentation & Analysis: Ultrastable Halide Perovskite PhotoanodesâThis document analyzes the research paper âUltrastable halide perovskite CsPbBr3 photoanodes achieved with electrocatalytic glassy-carbon and boron-doped diamond sheetsâ to highlight the critical role of advanced diamond materials and connect the findings directly to 6CCVDâs manufacturing capabilities for engineers and scientists.
Executive Summary
Section titled âExecutive SummaryâThis research successfully addresses the critical instability of halide perovskite photoanodes in aqueous electrolytes by employing highly stable, conductive, and impermeable Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) sheets as protective catalytic platforms.
- Record Stability Achieved: The BDD-protected CsPbBr3 photoanode demonstrated unprecedented operational stability, retaining 97% of its initial photocurrent density (7.4 mA cm-2) over 210 hours of continuous solar-driven Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER).
- BDD Superiority: Boron-Doped Diamond proved significantly superior to Glassy Carbon (GC) and Graphite, offering better mechanical and chemical stability under harsh, oxidizing conditions (1 M NaOH, pH 14).
- High Performance: The BDD device achieved a high photocurrent density of 7.4 mA cm-2 at +1.23 VRHE and a low OER onset potential of +0.46 VRHE.
- Material Properties: The BDD sheets exhibited ultra-low resistivity (10 ”Ω m) and a high functionalized surface area (1.561 m2m-2), crucial for efficient charge transport and catalytic activity.
- Modular Strategy: The fabrication method is modular and scalable, utilizing commercially available, highly conductive BDD sheets functionalized with electrodeposited Ni nanopyramids and NiFeOOH catalyst.
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical SpecificationsâThe following hard data points were extracted from the research detailing the performance and material characteristics of the BDD-based photoanodes.
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational Stability (BDD) | 210 | hours | 97% photocurrent retention |
| Operational Stability (GC) | 168 | hours | 95% photocurrent retention |
| Photocurrent Density (BDD) | 7.4 | mA cm-2 | At +1.23 VRHE, 1 sun illumination |
| Photocurrent Density (GC) | 5.8 | mA cm-2 | At +1.23 VRHE, 1 sun illumination |
| Solar-Driven OER Onset Potential (BDD) | +0.46 | VRHE | Low onset potential achieved with Ni/NiFeOOH |
| BDD Resistivity | 10 | ”Ω m | Ultra-low, metallic-like conductivity |
| GC Resistivity | 45 | ”Ω m | Significantly higher than BDD |
| BDD Sheet Dimensions Used | 10 x 10 x 0.8 | mm | Commercial CVD BDD sheet |
| BDD Surface Area (Functionalized) | 1.561 | m2m-2 | After Ni/NiFeOOH electrodeposition |
| Electrolyte Condition | 1 M NaOH | pH 14 | Highly oxidizing aqueous environment |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâThe following steps outline the critical fabrication and functionalization processes used to create the ultrastable BDD-protected photoanodes:
- BDD Substrate Preparation: Commercial CVD BDD sheets (10 x 10 x 0.8 mm, 10 ”Ω m resistivity) were cleaned via ultrasonication. The inherent roughness of the as-grown side was utilized for subsequent deposition, while the polished side was used for adhesive attachment.
- Ni Nanopyramid Electrodeposition: Nickel nanopyramids were electrodeposited onto the rough BDD surface using a two-electrode setup in a 60 °C precursor solution. A current density of 10 mA cm-2 was applied for 10 minutes.
- NiFeOOH Catalyst Deposition: The OER catalyst (NiFeOOH) was electrodeposited onto the Ni nanopyramids using a three-electrode setup. Linear sweep voltammetry was employed to deposit 4.2 mC cm-2 of charge.
- Photo-Absorber Fabrication: The CsPbBr3 photo-absorber device (FTO/SnO2/CsPbBr3/Carbon) was constructed using chemical bath deposition (SnO2) and a two-step solution deposition method for the perovskite layer.
- Modular Assembly: The functionalized BDD sheet was adhered and electrically contacted to the printed carbon electrode layer of the photo-absorber device using a thin, spin-coated adhesive layer (diluted commercial adhesive).
- Electrochemical Testing: Performance and stability were measured in a three-electrode cell using 1 M NaOH electrolyte under continuous 1 sun (AM 1.5 G) illumination at an applied bias of +1.23 VRHE.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & CapabilitiesâThe success of this research hinges on the availability of high-quality, highly conductive Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) substrates. 6CCVD is an expert supplier of MPCVD diamond materials, perfectly positioned to support the replication, scale-up, and advancement of this photoelectrochemical (PEC) technology.
| Research Requirement | 6CCVD Solution & Capability | Technical Advantage for PEC Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Material: High-Conductivity BDD | Heavy Boron-Doped PCD/SCD Wafers. | We supply BDD materials with precise doping control, ensuring the ultra-low resistivity (as low as 10 ”Ω m) required for efficient hole transport and minimal resistive losses in high-performance photoanodes. |
| Dimensions: 10 x 10 x 0.8 mm | Custom Dimensions up to 125 mm (PCD). | 6CCVD can manufacture BDD plates and wafers up to 125 mm in diameter, facilitating the necessary scale-up from laboratory prototypes to commercial-grade PEC devices. Substrate thicknesses are available up to 10 mm. |
| Surface Finish: As-grown rough surface | Custom Surface Preparation & Polishing. | We offer BDD substrates with either highly polished surfaces (Ra < 5 nm for PCD) or as-grown rough surfaces, optimized for subsequent electrodeposition of catalytic nanostructures (e.g., Ni nanopyramids) to maximize active surface area. |
| Functionalization: Robust Electrical Contact | In-House Metalization Services. | 6CCVD provides internal metalization capabilities (Au, Pt, Pd, Ti, W, Cu) via sputtering or evaporation, ensuring highly stable, low-resistance ohmic contacts between the BDD substrate and external circuitry or adhesive layers. |
| Thickness Control: 0.8 mm substrate | Precise Thickness Control (0.1 ”m to 10 mm). | We offer SCD and PCD films from 0.1 ”m up to 500 ”m, and robust BDD substrates up to 10 mm thick, providing mechanical stability for large-area PEC reactor designs. |
Engineering Support
Section titled âEngineering SupportâThe exceptional stability achieved with BDD in this work confirms its status as the premier electrode material for harsh electrochemical environments, particularly the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER). 6CCVDâs in-house PhD team specializes in the material science of diamond electrodes and can provide expert consultation on:
- Optimizing boron doping profiles for specific electrochemical applications.
- Selecting the ideal diamond type (SCD vs. PCD) based on required optical transparency, thermal management, and electrical uniformity.
- Designing custom metalization schemes for robust integration into complex PEC systems.
For custom specifications or material consultation, visit 6ccvd.com or contact our engineering team directly.
View Original Abstract
Abstract Halide perovskites exhibit exceptional optoelectronic properties for photoelectrochemical production of solar fuels and chemicals but their instability in aqueous electrolytes hampers their application. Here we present ultrastable perovskite CsPbBr 3 -based photoanodes achieved with both multifunctional glassy carbon and boron-doped diamond sheets coated with Ni nanopyramids and NiFeOOH. These perovskite photoanodes achieve record operational stability in aqueous electrolytes, preserving 95% of their initial photocurrent density for 168 h of continuous operation with the glassy carbon sheets and 97% for 210 h with the boron-doped diamond sheets, due to the excellent mechanical and chemical stability of glassy carbon, boron-doped diamond, and nickel metal. Moreover, these photoanodes reach a low water-oxidation onset potential close to +0.4 V RHE and photocurrent densities close to 8 mA cm â2 at 1.23 V RHE , owing to the high conductivity of glassy carbon and boron-doped diamond and the catalytic activity of NiFeOOH. The applied catalytic, protective sheets employ only earth-abundant elements and straightforward fabrication methods, engineering a solution for the success of halide perovskites in stable photoelectrochemical cells.