Revealing the synergy of Sn insertion in hematite for next-generation solar water splitting nanoceramics

Hematite nanoceramics is considered as one of the most promised materials for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting due to its remarkable characteristics such as low band gap, earth abundant composition and stability. In general, the hematite design over fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate involve high thermal treatment to promote its surface activation. As consequence, Sn from FTO substrate is commonly found migrating through the hematite layer. This unintentional Sn species diffusion is often associated with improvements on the photoelectrochemical response. The role played by Sn migrating from FTO against intentionally incorporated during the synthesis process into hematite to boost its performance remain unclear. In this perspective, the complexity of these matters was discussed to reveal the contribution and limiting aspects of each effect on the hematite manufacture. Indeed, a deep comprehension and latest advances on Sn diffusion and incorporation role on hematite led us to find synergistic characteristics between them, indicating economically viable alternatives to design active hematite nanoceramics. Regardless of its morphology, the key direction is based on external modifications which reduce energetic barriers on interfaces to favor electron carrier dynamics. © 2020 The Authors. International Journal of Ceramic Engineering & Science published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Ceramic Society.