Specific of a photocurrent in GaN-based photoelectrochemical cell

An influence of various parameters of a photoelectrochemical cell (PECC) having a GaN working electrode on the photocurrent was studied. Type of the aqua electrolyte (alkaline (KOH)-, neutral salt (Na₂SO₄)- and acid (H₂SO₄)- based electrolytes) influences on transient time for the photocurrent stabilization. A transient time for the photo current stabilization was observed under illumination by the UV LED light sources. The shortest transient time and the highest photocurrent were observed in the alkaline-based electrolyte (∼0.5M KOH) with n- GaN working electrodes (N_D-N_A =(3-5)×10¹⁶ cm^-3). PECC with electrolytes based on sodium sulfate and sulfuric acid demonstrated longer transient time (up to ten minutes) for the photocurrent stabilization and smaller photocurrent. (paper)