Photoelectrochemical cell with carbon nanotube-functionalized semiconductor electrode
AssigneeInteruniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
InventorsPhilippe M. Vereecken, Rufi Kurstjens, Ainhoa Romo Negreira, Daire J. Cott
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Abstract
Photoelectrochemical cells and methods are provided, in particular, to the functionalization of semiconductor surfaces such that its semiconducting and light generating properties are maintained and the surface becomes stable in wet environments. In particular the preferred embodiments relate to unstable semiconductor materials which have photocurrent generating properties, and to methods for the functionalization of surfaces with metallic carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
Claims20
A method for functionalizing semiconductor surfaces, the method comprising:
- providing at least one catalyst particle on a semiconductor surface;
- and thereafter
- using the catalyst particle to form at least one carbon nanostructure on the semiconductor surface, whereby a carbon nanostructure-functionalized semiconductor surface is obtained.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.