Advancements in Transparent Conductive Oxides for Photoelectrochemical Applications

Abstract

Highlights: What are the main findings? Doping can improve TCO’s electrical conductivity whilst minimizing any significant loss in their optical transmission. Further modification techniques increase the surface energy of TCO, reduce particles and defects, and improve electrical conductivity. What is the implication of the main finding? TCO materials show promise for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of photoelectrochemical devices. Advancements for TCO materials lead to the development of photoelectrochemical conversion technology. Photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) are an important technology for converting solar energy, which has experienced rapid development in recent decades. Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are also gaining increasing attention due to their crucial role in PEC reactions. This review comprehensively delves into the significance of TCO materials in PEC devices. Starting from an in-depth analysis of various TCO materials, this review discusses the properties, fabrication techniques, and challenges associated with these TCO materials. Next, we highlight several cost-effective, simple, and environmentally friendly methods, such as element doping, plasma treatment, hot isostatic pressing, and carbon nanotube modification, to enhance the transparency and conductivity of TCO materials. Despite significant progress in the development of TCO materials for PEC applications, we at last point out that the future research should focus on enhancing transparency and conductivity, formulating advanced theories to understand structure–property relationships, and integrating multiple modification strategies to further improve the performance of TCO materials in PEC devices.