Project Details
Projekt
Tuning the (magneto)optical properties of supported plasmonic metal catalysts towards high performance and stability in photo(electro)catalytic water splitting
Subject Area
Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
Term
from 2012 to 2015
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 220541659
Photo(electro)catalytic water splitting processes to hydrogen and oxygen with the help of sunlight possess a high potential to contribute to solutions to the global energy problem. So far known heterogeneous photocatalytic systems lack inefficient utilization of visible light and insufficient activities. To overcome these problems the main task of this proposal is the development of novel semiconductor/plasmon metal catalysts. The underlying surface plasmon resonance effect is a powerful tool with the potential to achieve both, the red shifted absorption edge as well as the increase of number of active sites, simultaneously. Further improvement of the catalytic efficiency will be achieved by implementation of additional metal co-catalysts. In an iterative process the catalyst development will be accompanied by detailed investigations of the light-induced dynamics of electron transfer processes in real time as well as the role of different catalyst components by state-of-the-art spectroscopic in situ methods, including ultrafast transient techniques. For better understanding of the chemical processes investigations will focus initially onto the two half reactions applying sacrificial reagents. Notably, these model studies will be extended by supplying a bias voltage during catalytic tests and spectroscopic in situ studies. Thus, a more efficient and practical water splitting device based on semiconductor/plasmon metal catalysts will be developed.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
Participating Person
Professorin Dr. Angelika Brückner
