Photoelectrochemical Solar Light Conversion into Fuels on Colloidal Quantum Dots Based Photoanodes (QuantumSolarFuels)

The efficient use of solar energy is vital for the future of our Planet and to ensure to the next generations our and even superior welfare standards. Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising way to convert solar light into storable fuels, such as H2. However, an ideal photoanodic material for the oxygen evolution half-reaction has not been identified yet. Technologies based on solution-processed colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising for producing effective photoanodes because of their low manufacturing costs and the possibility of controlling the band gap of the material through the quantum size effect. The main scientific aim of the QuantumSolarFuels project is the preparation of photoanodes for water splitting based on CdSe, CdTe and CdSeTe CQDs and their protection against photocorrosion. The CQDs will be assembled in flat electrodes effectively protected against photocorrosion and activated toward water oxidation through: a) the deposition of amorphous TiO2 and subsequent coating with metal based oxygen evolution catalysts or b) by direct coating them with the oxygen evolution catalysts. Further objectives are: 1) the identification of the optimal CdSeTe composition and CQDs size for the preparation of efficient photoanodes; 2) the use of Cd-chalcogenide CQDs in solar cells and photo- and electro-catalysis for renewable fuels production. Thanks to this action the researcher will become a World expert in these areas, in particular in the innovative use of CQDs for photoelectrochemical water splitting applications. Taking full advantage of the complementary competences of the two involved research groups, the one at the beneficiary institution expert in the fundamental chemical aspects of photocatalysis and the partner group more focused on the engineering and industrial exploitation of CQD science, the QuantumSolarFuels project will provide crucial achievements for the future preparation of industrially compelling photoelectrochemical devices.