Volume 18, Issue 3 2103822
Research Article

In Situ Magnetic Alignment of a Slurry of Tandem Semiconductor Microwires Using a Ni Catalyst

Saumya Gulati

Saumya Gulati

Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292 USA

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Matthew C. Mulvehill

Matthew C. Mulvehill

Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292 USA

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Sahar Pishgar

Sahar Pishgar

Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292 USA

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Joshua M. Spurgeon

Corresponding Author

Joshua M. Spurgeon

Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40292 USA

E-mail: [email protected]

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First published: 30 November 2021
Citations: 1

Abstract

Slurries of semiconductor particles individually capable of unassisted light-driven water-splitting are modeled to have a promising path to low-cost solar hydrogen generation, but they have had poor efficiencies. Tandem microparticle systems are a clear direction to pursue to increase efficiency. However, light absorption must be carefully managed in a tandem to prevent current mismatch in the subcells, which presents a possible challenge for tandem microwire particles suspended in a liquid. In this work, a Ni-catalyzed Si/TiO2 tandem microwire slurry is used as a stand-in for an ideal bandgap combination to demonstrate proof-of-concept in situ alignment of unassisted water-splitting microwires with an external magnetic field. The Ni hydrogen evolution catalyst is selectively photodeposited at the exposed Si microwire core to serve as the cathode site as well as a handle for magnetic orientation. The frequency distribution of the suspended microwire orientation angles is determined as a function of magnetic field strength under dispersion with and without uplifting microbubbles. After magnetizing the Ni bulb, tandem microwires can be highly aligned in water under a magnetic field despite active dispersion from bubbling or convection.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Data Availability Statement

Research data are not shared.

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