Interface degradation, solar materials

An overview of the most important phenomena in interface science related to studying solar materials is presented in this section. The methods for characterizing interfaces and those deemed likely to have the largest near-term impact on solving the problems of interface degradation are then mentioned. 

Another essential requirement for the photocatalyst is its resistance to reactions at the solid/liquid interface that may result in a degradation of its properties. These reactions include electrochemical corrosion, photocorrosion, and dissolution (Morrison, 1980). A large group of photocatalysts with suitable semiconducting properties for solar energy conversion (CdS, GaP, etc.) are not stable in the water-oxidation reaction because the anions of these materials are more susceptible to oxidation than water, causing their degradation by oxidation of the material (Ellis et al., 1977 Williams, 1960). 

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