Recent Advances in CuInS2-Based Photocathodes for Photoelectrochemical H2 Evolution

Abstract

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) H-2 production from water using solar energy is an ideal and environmentally friendly process. CuInS2 is a p-type semiconductor that offers many advantages for PEC H-2 production. Therefore, this review summarizes studies on CuInS2-based PEC cells designed for H-2 production. The theoretical background of PEC H-2 evolution and properties of the CuInS2 semiconductor are initially explored. Subsequently, certain important strategies that have been executed to improve the activity and charge-separation characteristics of CuInS2 photoelectrodes are examined; these include CuInS2 synthesis methods, nanostructure development, heterojunction construction, and cocatalyst design. This review helps enhance the understanding of state-of-the-art CuInS2-based photocathodes to enable the development of superior equivalents for efficient PEC H-2 production.