Project R-14430

Emerging binary chalcogenide materials for integration in photoelectrochemical and tandem devices. (Research)

Antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) is an emerging light-harvesting semiconductor that due to its ideal optoelectronic properties has attracted interest for photovoltaic applications, though it remains vastly unexplored for photoelectrochemical water splitting and CO2 conversion. In this work, we aim to synthetize Sb2S3 using a solution-based approach like chemical bath deposition, from antimony trichloride and multiple sulfur sources. The output from the synthesis are high opto-electronic quality, compact and homogeneous thin films, with coarse and oriented grains. The goal is to enhance charge extraction through strategically optimize electron and hole selective contacts, that remain unknown for Sb2S3 so far. The as-prepared film will be integrated in PV tandem for further studies on defects-related losses. Once tested and optimized for PV tandem, Sb2S3 thin films will be integrated into PEC energy conversion devices to study and perform CO2 conversion. Following this scientific strategy, the end result is taking advantage of the outputs coming from the synthesis and integration into PV tandem to extend and update the state-of-the-art regarding the application of Sb2S3 semiconductor in PEC devices for CO2 conversion. The research project is part of the broader T-REX Flemish project, thus the significant impact of the proposal, which is expected to create shared knowledge and pave the way for future (inter)national projects at higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL).

01 November 2023 - 31 October 2027