Sunlight is undoubtedly one of the most valuable resources in the quest to find adequate solutions towards a diversified and sustainable energy supply. Given that CO2 is a greenhouse gas, using sunlight to convert CO2 to transportation fuel (such as methanol) represents a value-added approach to the simultaneous generation of alternative fuels and environmental remediation of carbon emission.
We develop and implement in situ electrochemical methods, where the electrochemical information is complemented with either spectrocopic or microscopic data. By having at least two independent pieces of information on the same
phenomenon, light induced processes in semiconductor electrodes can better understood.
We employ hybrid materials in photoelectrochemical cells to generate solar fuels. The aim is to understand the function of each component, and maximize the synergy of hybrid formation. Our focus is on the reduction of CO2,
thus we develop photocathode for this purpose, as well as photoanodes for the conjugate reaction (water oxidation).
We aim to understand the fundamental factors (such as electronic properties, surface chemistry, morphology) governing the CO2 reduction process. Through this knowledge we synthesize and study novel nanostructured catalysts
for the efficient and selective conversion of CO2 to useful products.
Together with our industrial partners we design, manufacture and test electrochemical flow-cells for the conversion of CO2 as well as for water splitting. Our activity also covers the design and fabrication of membrane electrode
assemblies (MEAs). The various cells are tested under realistic conditions, inlcluding long range stability and accelerated stress tests.
We perform electrochemical and photoelectrochemical experiments on optically active lead halide perovskite materials. The goal is to better understand their optoelectronic properties, identify degradations mechanisms, and ultimately
employ them as photoelectrodes in solar fuels generation.