Laser-pulse photocurrent transient measurements at oxygen evolving n-PtS2

Laser-pulse transient measurements have been performed at single crystalline n-PtS₂ electrodes with the aim of understanding light-induced hydroxide, oxide and oxygen formation. Different detected time constants permit the identification of distinct reaction products. They form surface states which function both as centers for recombination and charge accumulation in the interface. The rate constants determined are influenced by the RC-constant of the measuring circuit and can be interpreted only qualitatively. In the presence of recombination processes time constants faster than R_LC_SC are found. Evidence is given that the reaction step leading to oxygen evolution is dependent on the building-up of an electric field in the Helmholtz layer. This result may be of importance for the development of materials for the photoelectrolysis of water.