CuInGaS2 photocathodes treated with SbX3 (X  =  Cl, I): the effect of the halide on solar water splitting performance

The realization of photoelectrochemical tandem cells for efficient solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion is currently impeded by the lack of inexpensive, stable, and efficient photocathodes. The family of sulfide chalcopyrites (CuInxGa1−xS2) has recently demonstrated a remarkable stability and performance even when prepared by solution-based routes that potentially lower the cost of fabrication. However, the photovoltage delivered by the photocathodes is still well-below the attainable values, a classical limitation linked to a large density of surface states in these materials. In the present work, we show that the identity of halide present during the growth of the solution-processed CuIn0.3Ga0.7S2 (CIGS) thin-films governs the overall performance by directing the crystal growth and the passivation of surface states. Replacing chlorine by iodine leads to CIGS photocathodes that deliver photocurrents of 5 mA cm−2 (at 0 V versus RHE) and a turn-on voltage of 0.5 V versus RHE without charge extracting overlayer nor any sign of deterioration during stability test.