Photoelectrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide using Ge doped GaN nanowire photoanodes

We report on the direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in a photoelectrochemical cell consisting of germanium doped gallium nitride nanowire anode and copper (Cu) cathode. Various products including methane (CH₄), carbon monoxide (CO), and formic acid (HCOOH) were observed under light illumination. A Faradaic efficiency of ∼10% was measured for HCOOH. Furthermore, this photoelectrochemical system showed enhanced stability for 6 h CO₂ reduction reaction on low cost, large area Si substrates