@misc{zeng_surface_composition_2025, 
author={Zeng, G.,Liu, G.,Panzeri, G.,Kim, C.,Song, C.,Alley, O.J.,Bell, A.T.,Weber, A.Z.,Toma, F.M.},
title={Surface composition impacts selectivity of ZnTe photocathodes in photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction reaction},
year={2025},
howpublished = {journal article},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.4c02259},
abstract = {Light-driven reduction of CO2 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 CO2 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 CO2 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 CO2RR performance.},
note = {Online available at: \url{https://doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.4c02259} (DOI). Zeng, G.; Liu, G.; Panzeri, G.; Kim, C.; Song, C.; Alley, O.; Bell, A.; Weber, A.; Toma, F.: Surface composition impacts selectivity of ZnTe photocathodes in photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction reaction. ACS Energy Letters. 2025. vol. 10, 34-39. DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.4c02259}}