The electron transfer chemistry of iodide and poly-iodide ions is intimately coupled to the formation and breaking of I-I bonds.   This chemistry has been exploited for solar energy conversion in regenerative dye-sensitized solar cells and for the production of solar fuels, yet the intimate mechanisms are often poorly understood.  In this presentation, fundamental studies of iodide redox chemistry in fluid solution and at dye-sensitized TiO2 interfaces will be presented and analyzed with existing theories.   Evidence for inner-sphere electron transfer reaction mechanisms have been garnered through systematic studies with ruthenium polypyridyl compounds.  A dramatic shift in the one-electron transfer reduction potential of tri-iodide relative to the two-electron transfer potential was discovered that underlies the amazing success of iodide redox mediators in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Mechanisms of iodide electron transfer chemistry for solar energy conversion

248th National Meeting (2014)

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