High performing photoelectrochemical systems for solar-driven adaptive chemical transformations

Broader Relevance: Conversion of sunlight into electrical energy is one of the most promising routes to meet the 30 TW global electricity demand by 2050. While electricity generation from renewable sources such as photovoltaics (PV) continue to increase, the path to renewable fuel production to address the energy storage problem is still emerging.

Scientific challenge: Photoelectrochemical systems directly utilize solar energy to driven chemical reactions and offer simplest route to produce fuels and chemicals. The photoabsorber materials used in these novel technologies should be inexpensive, efficient, stable, and scalable.

What you will do: This PhD research will focus on developing semiconducting photoelectrodes and surface engineering via facilitating photochemical conversion of CO2 and waste (industry discharge and pollutants) to valuable chemicals. The project aims to gain a deeper understanding of the semiconductor-electrolyte interfacial processes and mechanisms to enhance the charge transfer and selectivity for the desired reaction. The work will explore three main aspects

1. photoelectrode design and charge transport,
2. enhanced utilization of photogenerated charges in catalysis, and
3. tuning of catalytic activity and selectivity by varying illumination and altering photoelectrode design and properties.

By correlating ex-situ and in-situ studies on photoelectrode and performing analytical chemical measurements, the research will contribute towards efficient photosystems for sustainable chemical production and degradation of harmful pollutants.

Scientific output expected on: higher value sustainable chemicals production; deeper understanding of the semiconductor-electrolyte interface reactions and photocatalytic processes, CCUS technologies.