Photoelectrochemical Materials
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) catalysts
This research focuses on using established semiconductor processing techniques to improve structural quality and increase performance of new materials for water splitting using photoelectrochemical methods. We also discover new materials for PEC water splitting applications.
Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis materials
In polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) taking place at the cathode plays a crucial role in determining the overall performance and cost of the system. Platinum-group-metal (PGM) catalysts are typically required, impeding the commercialization of PEM fuel cell devices due to the disproportionately high cost. Our research in this area pursues PGM-free catalysts that can address this challenge. Understanding of the catalysts which have a heterogenous structure is limited by information depth and spatial resolution of common characterization techniques. We use sputtered thin films as a promising model system to study ORR active sites, in conjunction with surface analysis and electrocatalytic performance measurements, because of their potentially smooth and homogenous surface.
Selected publications
MgxZn1-xO contact to CuGa3Se5 absorber for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices
Khan, I., Muzzillo, C.P., Perkins, C.L., Norman, A., Young, J., Gaillard, N. and Zakutayev, A.,
Journal of Physics: Energy 3 024001 (2021)
Xu, Y., Dzara, M.J., Kabir, S., Pylypenko, S., Neyerlin, K. and Zakutayev, A.,
Applied Surface Science, 515 146012. (2020)
Design of Semiconducting Tetrahedral Mn1−xZnxOAlloys and Their Application to Solar Water Splitting
H. Peng, P. F. Ndione, D. S. Ginley, A. Zakutayev, and S Lany
Phys. Rev. X 5, 021016 (2015)
Funding
"Liquid Sunlight Alliance (LiSA) Hub" (2020-present)
Inspired by photosynthesis in plants, we are designing materials that can convert sunlight into chemical energy using only components of air: water and carbon dioxide. LiSA is one of two projects in the Fuels from Sunlight Energy Innovation Hub funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences.
"HydroGEN Advanced Water Splitting Materials Consortium" (2017-present)
HydroGEN is a consortium of six U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories that will address advanced water splitting materials challenges by making unique, world-class national lab capabilities in photoelectrochemical, solar thermochemical, and low- and high-temperature electrolytic water splitting more accessible to academia, industry, and other national labs.
"ElectroCat Electrocatalysis Consortium" (2016-2017)
ElectroCat’s national laboratory partners advance the tools needed to model, characterize, and optimize PGM-free catalysts and electrode structures to the point that they are easily applied to a broad range of catalyst systems and set a standard for rapid material analysis.
Contacts
Andriy Zakutayev
Annie Greenaway