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Interfacial Dynamics and Solar Fuel Formation in Dye‐Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cells
Author(s) -
Song Wenjing,
Chen Zuofeng,
Glasson Christopher R. K.,
Hanson Kenneth,
Luo Hanlin,
Norris Michael R.,
Ashford Dennis L.,
Concepcion Javier J.,
Brennaman M. Kyle,
Meyer Thomas J.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.201200100
Subject(s) - photoexcitation , solar fuel , chemistry , electron transfer , photochemistry , ultrafast laser spectroscopy , water splitting , photocurrent , catalysis , chemical engineering , absorption (acoustics) , hydrogen , chemical physics , excited state , materials science , spectroscopy , organic chemistry , photocatalysis , optoelectronics , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering , composite material , nuclear physics
Abstract Dye‐sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells (DSPECs) represent a promising approach to solar fuels with solar‐energy storage in chemical bonds. The targets are water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction by water to CO, other oxygenates, or hydrocarbons. DSPECs are based on dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) but with photoexcitation driving physically separated solar fuel half reactions. A systematic basis for DSPECs is available based on a modular approach with light absorption/excited‐state electron injection, and catalyst activation assembled in integrated structures. Progress has been made on catalysts for water oxidation and CO 2 reduction, dynamics of electron injection, back electron transfer, and photostability under conditions appropriate for water splitting. With added reductive scavengers, as surrogates for water oxidation, DSPECs have been investigated for hydrogen generation based on transient absorption and photocurrent measurements. Detailed insights are emerging which define kinetic and thermodynamic requirements for the individual processes underlying DSPEC performance.