Photocathode structure, method of fabricating the same, and hybrid electric generating element including the same

A hybrid electric generating element comprising:

• a photoelectrochemical cell including a photocathode structure;
• and
• a thermoelectric element connected in series with the photoelectrochemical cell,
• wherein the photocathode structure comprises:
• a photocathode including silicon (Si);
• an intermediate layer disposed on the photocathode, the intermediate layer including silicon oxide having a thickness between 1.4 nm and 1.6 nm;
• and
• a protective layer disposed on the intermediate layer, and including a metal oxide,
• wherein the intermediate layer is a tunneling barrier configured to transfer charges from the photocathode to the protective layer by an electric field applied from an outside, and
• wherein when a temperature difference applied to the thermoelectric element exceeds 54° C., a water-splitting reaction of the photoelectrochemical cell is spontaneously performed.