We report on the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance related to water oxidation of porous hematite (α-Fe₂O₃) thin films, which were prepared by spin coating of colloidal core/shell Fe/Fe-oxide nanoparticles (NPs) on fluorine-doped SnO₂ (FTO) substrates. Oxidation of the obtained Fe/Fe-oxide films at 600 °C, 700 °C, and 800 °C in air yielded porous α-Fe₂O₃ thin films. The advantage of using Fe/Fe-oxide NPs is that they form stable suspensions in organic solvents and are suitable for spin coating. The highest photocurrent density of 0.75 mA/cm² at 1.23 V (vs. a reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) was achieved with an α-Fe₂O₃ thin film calcined at 800 °C. Incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) data showed that the quantum efficiency of the thin films was about 15% at 350 nm at an applied bias of 1.4 V vs. RHE. To improve the oxygen evolution reaction, we electrodeposited a Ni(OH)₂/NiOOH catalyst (given as NiOOH) onto the α-Fe₂O₃ film and achieved the reduction of onset potential from 0.85 to 0.69 V vs. RHE. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and open-circuit photovoltage (OCP) measurements were used to estimate the flat-band potential of the thin films. ... Read more

In this paper we present our project on interdisciplinary evaluations of existing smart grid environments regarding (1) the technical performance of smart energy products and services, (2) end users perceptions, (3) stakeholder processes and (4) market aspects. Our evaluations are based on data and information originating from real life pilots and demonstration projects in the field of smart grids in residential areas in the Netherlands and in Austria. The so-called CESEPS project is executed in the European ERA-Net Smart Grids Plus program. CESEPS stands for Co-Evolution of Smart Energy Product and Services. Its main objective is to support the development of smart energy products and services for local smart grids that better respond to the demands and concerns of all stakeholders in terms of performance, cost, reliability, safety and robustness, sustainability and energy-efficiency, and end users' comfort. Besides comparative data analyses and user surveys, this three year project comprises simulation activities to model existing and innovative smart grid energy products to evaluate their feasibility, given the aspects above mentioned. In this paper our approach will be explained and illustrated by several examples of ongoing subtopics of research and knowledge dissemination among stakeholders in the smart grid sector. ... Read more