Photocurrent instability of PbS-sensitized TiO2 electrodes in S2- and SO32- solution

The mechanism of photocurrent decay with time of illumination of Pbs-coated TiO2 (PbS/TiO2) photoelectrochemical cells in S2- and SO32- solution was i nvestigated. The photocurrent decay at short circuit can primarily be attri buted to the formation of PbSO4 on the surface of PbS, followed by the diss olution of PbSO4 into the aqueous solution. In the presence of pyridine or ethanol in the solution, the J(sc) decay with time of illumination is reduc ed due to the suppression of the PbSO4 formation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.