Novel thin film composites and co-catalysts for visible light-induced water splitting

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Malte Behrens; Professorin Dr. Anna Fischer; Professor Dr. Martin Lerch; Privatdozent Dr. Thomas Schedel-Niedrig
• Subject Area: Solid State and Surface Chemistry, Material Synthesis ; Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2012 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 220617544

Within the framework of this proposal we apply for funding of research and development of novel and promising photoelectrocatalytic thin film composite systems for water splitting. The unique characteristics of our composite systems are (i) development of TaON-, Ba3Ta5O15-, and BiVO4-based heterogeneous thin films as photoanodes with adjustable band gap energies, band-energy levels and conductivities, (ii) adaptation of device-grade chalcopyrite-based thin films and silicon - also in combination with tandem solar cells - as novel composite photocathodes and Composite photoanodes, (iii) development of new electrocatalysts for improvement of HER (hydrogen evolution) and OER (oxygen evolution), and (iv) surface passivation by ultrathin chemically stable carbonaceous layers to avoid photocorrosion and to improve long-term stability. With these composite materials we envisage the development of new half-cells combined to a novel test device assembly using our most efficient photoelectrodes for the purpose of visible light-driven water splitting.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1613: Regeneratively Produced Fuels by Light Driven Water Splitting: Investigation of Involved Elementary Processes and Perspectives of Technologic Implementation
• Major Instrumentation: CIMPS system IPCE measurements
• Instrumentation Group: 1470 Potentiometer, Geräte für Amperometrie, Voltametrie, Coulometrie