About this Research Topic
The field of Photoelectrochemical (PEC) device systems, which are composed of semiconductor solar cells and electrocatalysts, has the potential to directly convert solar energy into diverse chemical energies. Currently, the photo-electrolysis of water molecules to produce hydrogen using PEC devices is being actively investigated at the laboratory level, due to the rapid development of efficient solar cells and robust electrocatalysts. However, the commercialization of PEC devices remains a challenge due to complex device structures, materials scarcity, costly manufacturing, rapid corrosion of semiconductors, and short shelf-life. Therefore, there is a need for further research to address these issues and realize the application of PEC devices to efficiently harvest solar energy and produce high-value chemicals at a low cost.
The main aim of this research topic is to explore the development and improvement of PEC devices for solar-driven water splitting to achieve high efficiency, long durability, and low cost. It also aims to investigate the design of novel architectural PEC devices for solar-driven catalytic reactions, including CO2 reduction and N2 reduction. Furthermore, the research topic seeks to understand the physical and chemical processes related to PEC devices and gain mechanistic insights into the degradation of PEC devices.
To gather further insights into the development, design, and understanding of PEC devices, we welcome articles (original research work, review, mini review, perspective papers) addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
Development and improvement of PEC devices (III-V tandem, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP)/Si tandem, thin film/Si tandem, HOIP/HOIP tandem, novel thin film single junction, etc.) for solar-driven water splitting;
- Designing and investigating novel architectural PEC devices for solar-driven catalytic reactions including CO2 reduction, N2 reduction, etc.;
- Methods for scalable fabrication of PEC devices;
- Fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical processes related to PEC devices;
- Mechanistic insights into the degradation of PEC devices;
- Theoretical investigations on the performances of PEC devices;
- Techno-economic analysis of commercialization of PEC devices.
The main aim of this research topic is to explore the development and improvement of PEC devices for solar-driven water splitting to achieve high efficiency, long durability, and low cost. It also aims to investigate the design of novel architectural PEC devices for solar-driven catalytic reactions, including CO2 reduction and N2 reduction. Furthermore, the research topic seeks to understand the physical and chemical processes related to PEC devices and gain mechanistic insights into the degradation of PEC devices.
To gather further insights into the development, design, and understanding of PEC devices, we welcome articles (original research work, review, mini review, perspective papers) addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
Development and improvement of PEC devices (III-V tandem, hybrid organic-inorganic perovskite (HOIP)/Si tandem, thin film/Si tandem, HOIP/HOIP tandem, novel thin film single junction, etc.) for solar-driven water splitting;
- Designing and investigating novel architectural PEC devices for solar-driven catalytic reactions including CO2 reduction, N2 reduction, etc.;
- Methods for scalable fabrication of PEC devices;
- Fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical processes related to PEC devices;
- Mechanistic insights into the degradation of PEC devices;
- Theoretical investigations on the performances of PEC devices;
- Techno-economic analysis of commercialization of PEC devices.
Keywords: Photoelectrochemical device, Photoelectrochemical water splitting, Hydrogen production, Solar-driven catalysis, Solar cell, Photoelectrode
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
