Crucial role of heterostructures in highly advanced water splitting photoelectrodes

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, which is a clean hydrogen production method with a zero-carbon footprint, has been widely studied based on various materials. Heterostructure photoelectrodes have great importance in overcoming the limit of intrinsic properties of a single material. Herein, we summarize the progress of heterostructure photoelectrodes in the recent years. The strategies in which heterostructure leads to improvement of PEC performances in the process of light absorption, charge transport, and interfacial charge transfer are demonstrated. The influence of hetero- structures with respect to band structure, charge carrier dynamics, and photostability is amply discussed, and synergistic effects with nanostructures are finally suggested. This brief review presents significant advances in the design of highly advanced photoelectrodes.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the recent progress in heterostructure photoelectrodes, highlighting their importance in improving PEC performance and synergistic effects with nanostructures. The influence of heterostructures on band structure, charge carrier dynamics, and photostability is thoroughly discussed, demonstrating significant advances in the design of advanced photoelectrodes.