The photocathodic properties of a Fe₂O₃ wrapped CuFeO₂ layer on ITO glass for water splitting

A Fe₂O₃ wrapped CuFeO₂ layer structure was fabricated on ITO glass by electrophoretic deposition and sol-gel methods at 400 °C. Such low fabrication temperature avoids the damage of ITO glass's transparency and conductivity. The FeCl₃ gel penetrated through the CuFeO₂ layer enhanced the connection and conductivity between CuFeO₂ particles and CuFeO₂/ITO glass interface. Pt particles were decorated on the surface by a photoreduction method to improve the PEC performance. The inserted Fe₂O₃ thin layer between the CuFeO₂ layer and Pt particles also worked as a buffer layer, which removed the upward barrier at the interface and improved the PEC activity.