Enhanced photocathode performance and stability for solar-powered hydrogen production through SiNWs@NC composite

Solar-powered photoelectrochemical hydrogen production has received garnered significant attention, yet the development of efficient, stable, and cost-effective photocathodes remains a formidable challenge. In this study, we achieved a breakthrough by fabricating a SiNWs@NC composite photocathode through a straightforward electrodeposition and calcination process. Notably, the incorporation of nitrogen-doped carbon as a co-catalyst not only facilitated efficient electron transfer within the photocathodes, but also serves as a protective layer, effectively mitigating the photocorrosion of SiNWs and enhancing overall stability. Under a bias voltage of -0.85 V vs. RHE and visible light irradiation, the SiNWs@NC electrode exhibited exceptional performance, achieving a peak photocurrent density of 25.41 mA.cm(-2) and an ABPE efficiency and 8.8 %. This pioneering work presents a promising solution for photocatalytic hydrogen production, highlighting the advantages of its facile preparation, superior photovoltaic performance, and remarkable stability.