Advanced Materials for Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion

Dear Colleagues,

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a cornerstone electrochemical reaction used for splitting water into hydrogen fuel, a clean-burning energy source. Its significance is rapidly growing as we transition towards renewable energy sources. While platinum-group metals (PGMs) have been the gold-standard HER electrocatalyst, their scarcity and high cost hinder large-scale implementation. Therefore, developing highly active and earth-abundant alternatives remains a critical challenge.

On the other hand, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting offers a particularly attractive approach for hydrogen production. It utilizes sunlight as an energy source, minimizing pollution during operation. During PEC processes, photocatalysts absorb solar energy, converting it into electrochemical energy that drives water splitting to produce hydrogen. Researchers have explored various photo-electro anode materials, including metal oxide semiconductors, perovskites, nitrides, chalcogenides, and transition-metal chalcogenides. However, achieving optimal stability and efficiency in these photoelectrode remains a key area of development.

To achieve this goal, the interaction between the catalytic center and substrate has been a focus of development. Researchers are strategically modifying the electronic properties of these centers through the design and execution of the synthesis route. This targeted manipulation aims to optimize the interaction between the catalyst and the hydrogen molecule, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of the HER process.

Prof. Dr. Luis Alberto Estudillo-Wong
Prof. Dr. Jorge Vazquez-Arenas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• non-precious materials
• nanomaterials
• photoanode
• synthesis route
• HER
• water splitting
• strong interfacial interaction