Illuminating the Semiconductor-Electrolyte Interface
Event details
| Date | 16.09.2016 |
| Hour | 16:00 |
| Speaker | Hans Joachim Lewerenz, Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA |
| Location | |
| Category | Conferences - Seminars |
Energetics, Surface Transformation and Water Splitting
The main concepts describing semiconductor-electrolyte junctions and the related semiconductor basics are reviewed. Gerischer’s model of this contact is compared to photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) data obtained with TiO2 on fully immersed semiconductor electrodes. It is shown that all major semiconductor surface conditions are observed and identified in-situ by tender X-ray PES. Light-induced water splitting is introduced covering single junction and dual tandem junction approaches with integrated electrocatalysts.
Combining photoelectrochemical surface treatments and surface/interface analysis, a photovoltaic tandem structure that exhibits record efficiency and increased stability has been realized. The latter results from an interfacial protection layer formed by surface transformation of the tandem structure window layer into an oxide. The measured efficiency is contextualized with regard to the theoretical achievable limiting efficiency for light-induced water splitting. This approach combines the detailed balance of Shockley and Queisser, applied in photovoltaics, with electrocatalysis parameters. A commentary on the perspectives of carrier-free excitation energy transfer for photoelectrocatalysis is presented for discussion.
The main concepts describing semiconductor-electrolyte junctions and the related semiconductor basics are reviewed. Gerischer’s model of this contact is compared to photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) data obtained with TiO2 on fully immersed semiconductor electrodes. It is shown that all major semiconductor surface conditions are observed and identified in-situ by tender X-ray PES. Light-induced water splitting is introduced covering single junction and dual tandem junction approaches with integrated electrocatalysts.
Combining photoelectrochemical surface treatments and surface/interface analysis, a photovoltaic tandem structure that exhibits record efficiency and increased stability has been realized. The latter results from an interfacial protection layer formed by surface transformation of the tandem structure window layer into an oxide. The measured efficiency is contextualized with regard to the theoretical achievable limiting efficiency for light-induced water splitting. This approach combines the detailed balance of Shockley and Queisser, applied in photovoltaics, with electrocatalysis parameters. A commentary on the perspectives of carrier-free excitation energy transfer for photoelectrocatalysis is presented for discussion.
Practical information
- General public
- Free