@article{bibcite_36779,
  author = {Guosong Zeng and Guiji Liu and Gabriele Panzeri and Chanyeon Kim and Chengyu Song and Olivia J Alley and Alexis T Bell and Adam Z Weber and Francesca M Toma},
  title = {Surface Composition Impacts Selectivity of ZnTe Photocathodes in Photoelectrochemical CO2 Reduction Reaction},
  abstract = {<p>Light-driven reduction of CO<sub>2</sub> into chemicals using a photoelectrochemical (PEC) approach is considered as a promising way to meet the carbon neutral target. The very top surface of the photoelectrode and semiconductor/electrolyte interface plays a pivotal role in defining the performance for PEC CO<sub>2</sub> reduction. However, such impact remains poorly understood. Here, we report an electrodeposition-annealing route for tailoring surface composition of ZnTe photocathodes. Our work demonstrates that a Zn-rich surface on the ZnTe photocathode is essential to impact the CO<sub>2</sub> reduction activity and selectivity. In particular, the Zn-rich surface not only facilitated the interfacial charge carrier transfer, but also acted as electrocatalyst for boosting carbon product selectivity and suppressing the hydrogen evolution reaction. This work provides a new avenue to optimize the photocathode, as well as improvement of the CO<sub>2</sub>RR performance.</p>},
  year = {2025},
  booktitle = {ACS Energy Letters},
  journal = {ACS Energy Letters},
  series = {ACS Energy Letters},
  volume = {10},
  pages = {34-39},
  month = {10/01/2025},
  institution = {American Chemical Society (ACS)},
  publisher = {American Chemical Society (ACS)},
  issn = {2380-8195, 2380-8195},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.4c02259},
  doi = {10.1021/acsenergylett.4c02259},
}