Will Cuprous Oxide Really Make It in Water-Splitting Applications?
S. David Tilley
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide For cost-effective solar hydrogen production on an industrial scale, Earth-abundant, low-cost, and easily processable materials are required. In this Perspective, a case is made that cuprous oxide has strong potential for practical large-scale water splitting. Recent research directions for improved efficiency and durability are highlighted, which target both the back and front interfaces of the Cu 2 O light absorber as well as protective overlayers and co-catalysts. The translation of high-efficiency thin-film device architectures to photocatalytic sheets or particles is proposed as a disruptive approach to solar hydrogen generation with fertile ground for new scientific discoveries.