Photoelectrode with light and heat synergy utilization based on CdTe/Bi₂Te₃ nanorod arrays/nanolayer film

Photoelectrode of CdTe/Bi₂Te₃ nanorod arrays/nanolayer film is designed for light and heat synergy utilization, which is carried out by two-step synthesis route of magnetron sputtering. The composition and microstructure of CdTe/Bi₂Te₃ nanorod arrays/nanolayer are determined by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Under AM 1.5 G illumination, the power conversion efficiency of CdTe/Bi₂Te₃ nanorod arrays/nanolayer photoelectrode is 10 times larger than that of CdTe nanorod arrays. It was found that the power conversion efficiency is mainly affected by the thickness of the Bi₂Te₃ film. These results significantly improve the performance of low-dimension CdTe photoelectrochemical solar cells and also open new possibilities for solar light and heat synergy utilization.