Surface restoration of polycrystalline Sb2Se3 thin films by conjugated molecules enabling high-performance photocathodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Interface modification with para -aminobenzoic acid passivated the interface states, causing rapid photoelectron transport through Sb 2 Se 3 /TiO and resulting in high onset potential photocurrent density photocathode for photoelectrochemical water splitting. • Surface defects limit photovoltage development. not only passivates but also allows transport. Record-high potential, density, half-cell solar-to-hydrogen efficiency are achieved. Achieving both photoelectrodes is a key challenge while performing unassisted overall splitting using tandem devices. We propose simple strategy to maximize performance of polycrystalline photocathodes (PEC) The (PABA) at enhanced photocathodes. surface limited production, lowering photocathode. restoration conjugated PABA molecules efficiently on enabled from TiO layer. treated exhibited substantially improved PEC performance; increased 0.35 0.50 V compared reversible hydrogen electrode (V RHE ), 24 35 mA cm ?2 0 .