Recent Advances in CuInS(2)-Based Photocathodes for Photoelectrochemical H(2) Evolution

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) H(2) production from water using solar energy is an ideal and environmentally friendly process. CuInS(2) is a p-type semiconductor that offers many advantages for PEC H(2) production. Therefore, this review summarizes studies on CuInS(2)-based PEC cells designed for H(2) production. The theoretical background of PEC H(2) evolution and properties of the CuInS(2) semiconductor are initially explored. Subsequently, certain important strategies that have been executed to improve the activity and charge-separation characteristics of CuInS(2) photoelectrodes are examined; these include CuInS(2) synthesis methods, nanostructure development, heterojunction construction, and cocatalyst design. This review helps enhance the understanding of state-of-the-art CuInS(2)-based photocathodes to enable the development of superior equivalents for efficient PEC H(2) production.