Article
Engineering, Environmental
Selvaraj Seenivasan, Sangeeta Adhikari, Do-Heyoung Kim
Summary: This study successfully addressed the issues associated with hematite-based photoanodes by strategically incorporating a ternary NiFeOx (NFO) top-layer deposited using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique. The optimized NiFeOx layer significantly improved the photocurrent density, offering a promising approach for developing efficient photoanodes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ivan Grigioni, Annalisa Polo, Maria Vittoria Dozzi, Lucia Ganzer, Benedetto Bozzini, Giulio Cerullo, Elena Selli
Summary: CuWO4 is a ternary metal oxide semiconductor with promising properties for photoelectrochemical water splitting and solar light conversion due to its low band gap and high stability. However, its relatively low PEC efficiency is attributed to the fast recombination dynamics of charge carriers photogenerated in CuWO4, which is discussed in relation to its PEC performance and compared with other semiconductor oxides, notably Fe2O3.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuxin Liu, Yurui Xue, Huidi Yu, Lan Hui, Bolong Huang, Yuliang Li
Summary: Graphdiyne (GDY) is an emerging 2D carbon material with unique structures and properties, making it attractive for growing heterogeneous materials for efficient energy utilization. A controllable synthesis method of ultrathin charge-transfer complexes (CTs) of nickel with terephthalic acid nanosheets on GDY has been reported, showing record-high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. Experimental characterization confirms that GDY plays a key role in modulating morphological and electronic structures to accelerate the OER rate. These findings are expected to contribute to the design of more efficient catalysts for efficient hydrogen energy technologies.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ivan Grigioni, Annalisa Polo, Chiara Nomellini, Laura Vigni, Alessandro Poma, Maria Vittoria Dozzi, Elena Selli
Summary: This study investigated the photoelectrochemical performance of transparent CuWO4 electrodes and found that the electrodes with optimal thickness exhibit excellent visible light activity and charge extraction capability, with the charge recombination increasing at higher light intensity.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Cheng Lu, Duo Zhang, Zhenyu Wu, Xiaoquan Zhao, Kun Feng, Gaoteng Zhang, Shuao Wang, Zhenhui Kang, Jun Zhong
Summary: In this study, a hetero phase of & beta;-Fe2O3 was introduced in & alpha;-Fe2O3 to optimize the internal structure, which significantly enhanced the charge extraction and transport, and suppressed the electron-hole recombination. The resulting hematite-based photoanodes exhibited high initial photocurrent and excellent stability, making them a promising candidate for practical solar water splitting.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ehsan Vahidzadeh, Sheng Zeng, Kazi M. Alam, Pawan Kumar, Saralyn Riddell, Narendra Chaulagain, Sergey Gusarov, Alexander E. Kobryn, Karthik Shankar
Summary: In this study, efficient harvesting of hot holes in Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) covered with a thin layer of amorphous TiO2 (a-TiO2) was demonstrated to drive sunlight-driven water splitting. The results underscore the critical role played by a-TiO2 in the extraction of holes in Au@a-TiO2 photoanodes. The study also showed that an ultrathin photoanode (<100 nm in maximum thickness) can efficiently drive sunlight-driven water splitting.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiasheng Chi, Zhi Jiang, Jiawei Yan, Afsanehsadat Larimi, Zhiliang Wang, Lianzhou Wang, Wenfeng Shangguan
Summary: Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising technique for converting solar energy into sustainable hydrogen. However, challenges such as insufficient light absorption, poor charge transport properties, and sluggish surface reactions need to be addressed to improve the overall performance of photoanodes.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jingguo Li, Hang Chen, Carlos A. Triana, Greta R. Patzke
Summary: Understanding the origin and dynamic evolution of charge carriers, as well as the competitive charge transfer centers at the solid-liquid interface, is crucial for influencing the charge carrier dynamics in model hematite photoanodes.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Palyam Subramanyam, Bhagatram Meena, Duvvuri Suryakala, Melepurath Deepa, Challapalli Subrahmanyam
Summary: The plasmonic Bi nanoparticles supported over a g-C3N4/Bi2S3 photoanode showed a high photo-current density and superior solar to hydrogen efficiency, proving to be an alternative to noble metal based photo-electrodes for solar-water splitting reactions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing-Xin Jian, Valdas Jokubavicius, Mikael Syvajarvi, Rositsa Yakimova, Jianwu Sun
Summary: Cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) shows promise as a photoelectrode material for solar water splitting due to its small band gap and ideal energy band positions, but typically experiences reduced photocurrent despite the presence of various oxygen-evolution-reaction (OER) cocatalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Songcan Wang, Boyan Liu, Xin Wang, Yingjuan Zhang, Wei Huang
Summary: By designing a nanoporous MoO3-x/BiVO4 heterojunction photoanode, we have improved the efficiency of charge separation in bismuth vanadate, resulting in significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical performance. Stable photoelectrochemical water splitting with high photocurrent density and applied bias photon-to-current efficiency is achieved by depositing dual oxygen evolution cocatalysts.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Min-Ju Choi, Taemin L. Kim, Kyoung Soon Choi, Woonbae Sohn, Tae Hyung Lee, Sol A. Lee, Hoonkee Park, Sang Yun Jeong, Jin Wook Yang, Sanghan Lee, Ho Won Jang
Summary: This study investigates the influence of the thickness of the overlayer on the photoelectrochemical activity of Fe2O3 film-deposited BiVO4/WO3 heterostructure. By adjusting the Fe2O3 layer thickness, the type of heterojunction can be changed, leading to improved photocurrent density.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marina Makarova, Fumiaki Amano, Shinpei Nomura, Chihiro Tateishi, Takeshi Fukuma, Yasufumi Takahashi, Yuri E. Korchev
Summary: The photoelectrochemical (PEC) catalytic effects of anatase TiO2-nanotube arrays grown on Ti felt are explored using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM). The results support the transport of photoexcited electrons along the TiO2 nanotubes and the model of orthogonal electron-hole separation.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoyan Zhang, Shengqi Zhang, Xiaoli Cui, Wei Zhou, Weimin Cao, Danhong Cheng, Yi Sun
Summary: This review focuses on the application of TiO2-based photoanodes in PEC water splitting. TiO2 exhibits high PEC water splitting performance, but its performance is hindered by certain disadvantages. The review highlights the mechanisms and key factors for achieving high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency, as well as controllable synthesis and modification strategies. The future trends for TiO2-based photoanodes in PEC water splitting are also discussed.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hang Chen, Jingguo Li, Lingshen Meng, Sanghyun Bae, Rolf Erni, Daniel F. Abbott, Shangkun Li, Carlos A. Triana, Victor Mougel, Greta R. Patzke
Summary: Immobilization of a (Co4O4)-O-II cubane with proven catalytic performance on BiVO4 photoanodes through layer-by-layer assembly strategy resulted in enhanced photocurrent and stability. Thickness tuning of the Co4O4 layer had significant effects on photocurrents and charge carrier behavior. The Co4O4 layer was found to prolong carrier lifetime, suppress recombination, and enhance charge transfer, with flexible roles depending on the applied potentials.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mariya E. Ivanova, Ralf Peters, Martin Mueller, Stefan Haas, Martin Florian Seidler, Gerd Mutschke, Kerstin Eckert, Philipp Roese, Sonya Calnan, Rory Bagacki, Rutger Schlatmann, Cedric Grosselindemann, Laura-Alena Schaefer, Norbert H. Menzler, Andre Weber, Roel van de Krol, Feng Liang, Fatwa F. Abdi, Stefan Brendelberger, Nicole Neumann, Johannes Grobbel, Martin Roeb, Christian Sattler, Ines Duran, Benjamin Dietrich, M. E. Christoph Hofberger, Leonid Stoppel, Neele Uhlenbruck, Thomas Wetzel, David Rauner, Ante Hecimovic, Ursel Fantz, Nadiia Kulyk, Jens Harting, Olivier Guillon
Summary: Hydrogen produced from renewables will have a growing impact on global energy dynamics towards sustainability and carbon neutrality. However, the current share of green hydrogen is too low, and there is a rising demand for high-quality hydrogen. This highlights the need for economically viable hydrogen generation technologies. This article evaluates existing technologies for high-quality hydrogen production based on solar energy, considering their current development level, technical limitations, and future potential.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vivek Ramakrishnan, Anton Tsyganok, Elena Davydova, Mariela J. Pavan, Avner Rothschild, Iris Visoly-Fisher
Summary: This study investigated the photoelectrochemical properties of hematite and found that surface states play an important role, competitively affecting the efficiency of water oxidation. These findings enhance our understanding of hematite photoelectrocatalysis for water oxidation and can assist in improving the efficiency of solar hydrogen production.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Patrick Schnell, Erwin Fernandez, Keisuke Obata, Jennifer Velazquez Rojas, Marco Favaro, Thomas Dittrich, Roel van de Krol, Fatwa F. Abdi
Summary: alpha-SnWO4 is a promising photoelectrode material for water splitting, but it faces challenges of surface passivation and limited photovoltage. Previous studies suggest that interfacial oxidation leads to Fermi-level pinning at the alpha-SnWO4/oxide interface. In this study, surface photovoltage analysis and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy are used to investigate the electronic structure and identify a defect state responsible for Fermi-level pinning.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Markus Schleuning, Moritz Koelbach, Ibbi Ahmet, Raphael Praeg, Ronen Gottesman, Rene Gunder, Mengyuan Zhang, Dan Ralf Wargulski, Daniel Abou-Ras, Daniel A. Grave, Fatwa F. Abdi, Roel van de Krol, Klaus Schwarzburg, Rainer Eichberger, Dennis Friedrich, Hannes Hempel
Summary: Metal oxides are commonly used as photoelectrode candidates for solar water splitting. However, their power conversion efficiencies are often hindered by poor charge transport. In this study, several metal oxides were compared to understand their thermalization, trapping, localization, and recombination kinetics. It was found that carrier localization and low mobilities were common issues, and annealing in H-2 was effective in reducing carrier localization and improving charge transport.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Avi Auslender, Adham Basha, Daniel A. Grave, Avner Rothschild, Oswaldo Dieguez, Amit Kohn
Summary: The mean inner potential (MIP) of hematite, alpha-Fe2O3, was measured using electron holography and transmission electron microscopy. The MIP was found to be sensitive to valence electrons and can be used as a chemical bonding parameter for solids. The study showed that the MIP changes across the Morin magnetic phase transition, indicating a change in ionic bonding due to charge redistribution.
MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xinyi Zhang, Michael Schwarze, Reinhard Schomaecker, Roel van de Krol, Fatwa F. Abdi
Summary: Researchers propose coupling photoelectrochemical water splitting with the hydrogenation of chemicals to co-produce hydrogen and methyl succinic acid. They found that using 2% of the generated hydrogen for the conversion of itaconic acid to methyl succinic acid can achieve energy breakeven. This coupled reaction not only increases the viability of photoelectrochemical water splitting but also reduces the carbon emissions from chemical production.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Erwin N. Fernandez, Daniel A. Grave, Roel van de Krol, Fatwa F. Abdi
Summary: Transition metal oxide (TMO) photoabsorbers are important for solar-to-fuel devices. This study explores the effects of strain modulation on the optoelectronic properties of epitaxial BiVO4 films. The results suggest that strain modulation and engineering of local distortion may be a viable strategy for efficient photoabsorbers.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
Margot Guidat, Mario Loew, Moritz Koelbach, Jongmin Kim, Matthias. M. M. May
Summary: Electrode/electrolyte interfaces are essential in electrochemical energy conversion and storage technologies. Understanding their structure, alignment, and processes has led to the development of in situ techniques like reflection anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS). This review explores the progress in using RAS as an in situ optical probe for solid-liquid interfaces, discussing principles, challenges, and potential applications in spectroelectrochemistry and battery systems.
Article
Electrochemistry
Frederik J. Stender, Keisuke Obata, Max Baumung, Fatwa F. Abdi, Marcel Risch
Summary: Generator-collector experiments using a modular double electrode flow cell (DEFC) with exchangeable electrodes were conducted to study the ferri-/ferrocyanide redox couple. The results showed that wall effects had minimal impact on current density in our geometry. The collection efficiency was close to the expected value above a flow rate of 1.0 (mL/min) 1/3 for all investigated electrode widths, except for electrodes with width 5 mm and larger, where it was independent of the flow rate. Kinetic constants obtained from analysis fell within the range reported previously. Our DEFC offers an attractive alternative to commercial RRDEs, allowing for optimization of both the generator and collector materials.
Editorial Material
Energy & Fuels
Brendan Bulfin, Marcelo Carmo, Roel van de Krol, Julie Mougin, Kathy Ayers, Karl J. Gross, Olga A. Marina, George M. Roberts, Ellen B. Stechel, Chengxiang Xiang
FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Keisuke Obata, Michael Schwarze, Tabea A. Thiel, Xinyi Zhang, Babu Radhakrishnan, Ibbi Y. Ahmet, Roel van de Krol, Reinhard Schomaecker, Fatwa F. Abdi
Summary: With the increasing pressure to decarbonize, green hydrogen is seen as a key component in the future energy infrastructure. Coupling solar water splitting with chemical reactions can improve reaction stability and flexibility, while reducing energy loss.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thi Hiep Nguyen, Mahmoud G. Ahmed, Mengyuan Zhang, Oded Halevi, Fatwa F. Abdi, Shlomo Magdassi, Lydia H. Wong
Summary: Photoelectrochemical solar water splitting using FeVO4 photoanode with nanostructuring and surface modification of cocatalysts (CoO x , CoPi, and CoO x -CoPi) improves charge injection and separation efficiencies, significantly increasing photocurrent density and onset potential.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maryline Ralaiarisoa, Senapati Sri Krishnamurti, Wenqing Gu, Claudio Ampelli, Roel van de Krol, Fatwa Firdaus Abdi, Marco Favaro
Summary: Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) are crucial in (photo)electrochemical conversion and storage devices, and understanding their molecular-level processes is important. This study investigated cation- and anion-exchange membranes in hybrid liquid/gas electrolyzers using in situ ambient pressure hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-HAXPES) coupled with finite element analysis (FEA). The findings reveal that ion transport is driven by diffusion mediated by ionized functional groups rather than electromigration. Additionally, unwanted polarization fields at the liquid electrolyte/membrane interface were detected when the applied potential had the same polarity as the ionized functional groups. This study demonstrates the use of in situ AP-HAXPES to investigate polymer membranes and provides new insights into the ionic dynamics within IEMs in hybrid liquid/gas electrolyzers.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)