Modification of semiconductor surface with ultrafine metal particles for efficient photoelectrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide

A p-type silicon (p-Si) electrode modified with small metal (Cu, Au and Ag) particles works as an ideal-type electrode for photoelectrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide, producing carbon monoxide, methane, ethylene, etc., with a large photovoltage of 0.5 V. It is discussed that two types of surface-structure control on atomic and nanometer-sized levels are important for getting a high efficiency.