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The demonstration of an efficient nanostructure that provides acceptable photoelectrochemical water splitting properties using the sun visible radiation is an appealing issue. In this connection, a new ternary nanocomposite of Ag 2 S/MoS 2 /ZnO photoanode is subsequently fabricated via hydrothermal, solvothermal and SILAR methods. Different properties of the nanocomposite are characterized by XRD, SEM, EDX, XPS, UV–Vis-IR spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. The post-grown annealed 8-Ag 2 S/MoS 2 /ZnO photoanode exhibits a good performance with a photocurrent density of 2 mA/cm2 at a bias potential 1.23 V vs. RHE. The photocurrent of the post-grown annealed 8-Ag 2 S/MoS 2 /ZnO photoanode is 71.42 times, 40 times and 2 times higher compares to the pure ZnO, post-grown annealed MoS 2 /ZnO, and post-grown annealed 8-Ag 2 S/ZnO photoanodes, respectively. The enhanced PEC performance may originate from the combination of different effects such as the expansion of light absorption and energy band alignment (type II heterostructures), [SO 4 ] acted as a charge-transfer medium, and electrode-electrolyte interface kinetic reactions. [Display omitted] • Ag 2 S/MoS 2 /ZnO ternary nanocomposite was successfully synthesized in three steps. • This ternary photoanode greatly improved the photocurrent of the PEC water splitting. • Ag 2 S components are utilized as light-absorption sensitizers. • The sacrificial reagent electrolyte is used to study the reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cathode interface plays a critical role in achieving high‐performance fullerene/perovskite planar solar cells. Herein, the simple molecule Isatin and its derivatives are introduced at the back contact [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)/Al as a cathode modification interlayer. It is revealed that the Isatin interlayers facilitate electron transport/extraction and suppress electron recombination, attributed to the formation of negative dipole potential steps and the passivation of the interfacial trap density. The average power conversion efficiencies of the resulting devices are significantly improved by 11% from 17.68% to 19.74%, with an enhancement in all device parameters including short‐circuit current, open‐circuit voltage, and fill factor. The hysteresis index is found to disappear. In addition, such interlayer enhances device stability under ambient conditions compared to the control devices due to suppression of moisture‐induced degradation of the perovskite films. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the engineering of the back contact between PCBM and the metal electrode to improve efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]