Photo(electro)chemical Valorization

Nature Photosynthesis generates O2 and carbohydrates by only using sunlight, water, and CO2 as the raw materials.  By mimicking this process, not only the greenhouse gas CO2 can be reduced but also sustainable solar fuels can be generated. A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell consisting of a photocathode and a photoanode incorporated with fuel forming catalysts is such a device to realise artificial photosynthesis. H2 or carbon-based fuels and O2 are evolved under solar light irradiation by the photocathode and the photoanode, respectively. Our group is interested in fabricating efficient and cost-effective PEC cells by studying photoelectrodes, and fuel forming catalysts made of only earth-abundant materials.