Deterioration of semiconducting materials: Photocorrosion

Deterioration of semiconductor materials has become an important issue, for the development of environmentally friendly and sustainable technologies, based on photocatalysis. The degradation of semiconductors in aqueous environments and at electrified interfaces, comprises both chemical and electrochemical reactions triggered by photo-induction. The chemical stability of a material dictates its lifetime and cost efficiency, as well as functionality. In this context, photocorrosion of semiconductor materials should be interpreted in relation with the structure of electrified interface, charge transfer reaction kinetics, mechanisms at the material/solution interface, the influence of photogenerated electron/hole pair and chemical reactions leading to dissolution of material. The general considerations of electrochemistry about corrosion of metals/alloys and thermodynamics basis, are used for understanding the mechanism of photocorrosion and developing strategies to cope with it. So, we have tried to solidify the relation between photoactivity/stability of a semiconductor type catalytic material and the physical-chemical properties (morphology, chemical composition, crystallinity, doping, surface conditions, etc.), and finally, we have interpreted the promising strategies for protection against photocorrosion.