Advanced Materials for Photoelectrochemical Energy Conversion
A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science and Engineering".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 4914
Special Issue Editors
Interests: electrochemical energy sources; electrochemical water treatment; synthesis of materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
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
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Keywords
- non-precious materials
- nanomaterials
- photoanode
- synthesis route
- HER
- water splitting
- strong interfacial interaction
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