Perovskite-based standalone artificial leaves for sustainable fuel generation

Context of this work

The conversion of CO2 to value-added products is a prime area of research for achieving a carbon-neutral economy. However, the associated reaction's thermodynamic and kinetic challenges make it a complex process. On the other hand, solar energy is a clean and abundant energy source that offers a promising solution to the environmental and energy crisis. Solar energy can be directly utilized to convert CO2 molecules to valuable products that can store energy in chemical bonds for future applications. The key elements for achieving direct solar-to-fuel conversions are semiconducting materials and co-catalysts. 
When a semiconductor material is exposed to light, it generates electrons and holes that have the potential to conduct oxidation and reduction reactions. Conversely, co-catalysts lower the energy barrier for these reactions and enhance selectivity for the desired product. Despite a wide range of semiconductors being studied for photo(electro)catalysis, only a few have progressed toward commercialization. Therefore, there is a significant interest in developing efficient photo absorbers and co-catalysts to improve energy conversion and catalytic activity. Additionally, integrating state-of-the-art deposition processes and semiconducting systems can deliver a standalone device that mimics the functionality of leaves by converting CO2/H2O to energy. 

What you will do

You will be processing perovskite-based thin films as photoelectrodes via state-of-the-art deposition processes and tools in this role. These perovskite layers will be coated with multiple layers of transport layers and co-catalysts to promote the intended photo(electro)chemical reaction. You will conduct various electrical, physical, and photo(electrochemical) characterizations and studies to evaluate their performance for solar fuel generation in different electrolytes. Thanks to your study, by combining with a suitable photoanode/cathode developed by our group, you will fabricate a standalone artificial leaf-like device that reduces atmospheric CO2 to valuable products like CH4, CH3OH, or water to H2.  

This work will be conducted in the newly built laboratories at imec in EnergyVille, Genk, which is one of the world’s premier centres for energy research

Who you are

• You are pursuing a Master degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Semiconductor Physics, Material Science, Chemistry or related fields.
• You have a solid background in semiconductors or photo/electrochemistry. Good knowledge of device physics, nanotechnology and lab process is recommended.
• You are a communicative team player, yet you are able to work independently.
• You like taking initiative while keeping a constructive attitude.
• Given the international character of imec, a fluent knowledge of English is necessary.

Type of Project:  Thesis

Master's degree: Master of Engineering Technology; Master of Science; Master of Engineering Science

Master program:  Chemistry/Chemical Engineering; Electrotechnics/Electrical Engineering; Energy; Materials Engineering; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology; Physics

Duration:  6 months

Supervisor: Bart Vermang (UHasselt)

For more information or application, please contact Vishal Kakkarakunnel Jose (vishal.kakkarakunneljose@imec.be) and Anurag Krishna (anurag.krishna@imec.be).