Boosting hematite photoelectrode water splitting activity by dopant addition

• Grant number: 19/24394-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: December 01, 2019
• End date: October 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Flavio Leandro de Souza
• Grantee: Brenda Raffaela de Lima
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/02317-2 - Interfaces in materials: electronic, magnetic, structural and transport properties, AP.TEM

Abstract

The proposal of this project is based on the study of electrical, electrochemical (solid- liquid interface) and photoelectrochemical properties of bare and modified hematite thin films. Hematite has been intensively investigated as promisor material to convert light into chemical energy due to its wide absorption of sunlight spectra. However, the poor electronic conductivity and short lifetime of the photogenerated charges decrease the material efficiency for oxygen evolution reactions. To overcome the limitations presented, some strategies have been used it, such as the insertion of intermetallic dopants (in-situ and ex-situ) and heat treatment environments (different atmospheres) have contributed improving hematite properties. To design hematite films will be used a non-complex and low environmental impact chemical route microwave-assisted hydrothermal process with the material grown on conductive transparent substrates. In this scenario, the focus of this work plan is the characterization of hematite films and the influence of modified hematite surface with intermetallic materials and different atmosphere on heat treatment in order to understand the interfacial and transport properties. (AU)