Si-H induced synthesis of Si/Cu₂O nanowire arrays for photoelectrochemical water splitting

We report a facile and low-cost method to synthesize Si/Cu₂O heterojunction nanowire arrays, without SiO_x, at the Si/Cu₂O interface. The reductive Si–H bonds on the surface of Si nanowires plays a key role in situ by reducing Cu(II) ions to Cu₂O nanocubes and avoiding the SiO_x interface layer. Different pH values would vary the electrochemical potential of reactions and as a result, different products would be formed. Utilized as a photoanode for water splitting, Si/Cu₂O nanowire arrays exhibit good photoelectrochemical performance. (paper)