Our proposal aims for an exploration of elementary processes taking place during a photocatalytic reaction. For this purpose, we will prepare molecular ensembles on well-defined dielectric surfaces and characterize them before and after a controlled irradiation with photons of a given wavelength by means of scanning tunneling microscopy and embedded spectroscopic techniques. Due to the high spatial resolution of our approach, we try to correlate the local yield of a photo-induced reaction with the presence of individual inhomogeneities in the surface, such as point and line defects, metal particles or Dye sensitizers. Moreover, we will develop strategies, on how to improve the photocatalytic response of an oxide material by modifying the band gap or introducing dopants into the lattice. From the results of our experiments, we expect a better understanding on the light-matter interaction on the relevant field of photo-catalysis.
DFG Programme
Research Grants
International Connection
Brazil
