Evaluation of Electroless Pt Deposition and Electron Beam Pt Evaporation on p-GaAs as a Photocathode for Hydrogen Evolution

This study examines the changes in the photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties with Pt morphology after wet (electroless Pt deposition) and dry (e-beam Pt evaporation) deposition of Pt on p-GaAs. The Pt morphology and composition of the p-GaAs surface differed depending on the Pt deposition method, which in turn affected the optical and PEC properties of Pt on the GaAs electrode. Thus, the findings of this study can help us gain a clearer understanding of the manner in which these changes affect the operation of a GaAs PEC water-splitting electrode.