Plasmonic nanoparticle-semiconductor composites for efficient solar water splitting

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is a promising technology that uses light absorbing semiconductors to convert solar energy directly into a chemical fuel (i.e., hydrogen). PEC water splitting has the potential to become a key technology in achieving a sustainable society, if high solar to fuel energy conversion efficiencies are...

Investigation of Terahertz Emission from BiVO4 /Au Thin Film Interface

We demonstrate emission of terahertz pulses from a BiVO4/Au thin film interface, illuminated with femtosecond laser pulses. Based on the experimental observations, we propose that the most likely cause of the THz emission is the Photo-Dember effect caused by the standing wave intensity distribution formed at the BiVO4/Au interfaces.

Photo-assisted water splitting with bipolar membrane induced pH gradients for practical solar fuel devices

Different pH requirements for a cathode and an anode result in a non-optimal performance for practical solar fuel systems. We present for the first time a photo-assisted water splitting device using a bipolar membrane, which allows a cathode to operate in an acidic electrolyte while the photoanode is in alkaline conditions. The bipolar membrane...

Photocharged BiVO4 photoanodes for improved solar water splitting

Bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) is a promising semiconductor material for the production of solar fuels via photoelectrochemical water splitting, however, it suffers from substantial recombination losses that limit its performance to well below its theoretical maximum. Here we demonstrate for the first time that the photoelectrochemical (PEC)...