Transparent ALD-grown Ta2O5 protective layer for highly stable ZnO photoelectrode in solar water splitting

This communication describes the design of a highly stable ZnO/Ta₂O₅ photoanode with ultrathin Ta₂O₅ protective layers deposited by atomic layer deposition. The transparency of Ta₂O₅ to sunlight accounts for the excellent stability of the photoelectrode in a strong base environment.