Light-induced photoelectrochemical reactions (e.g. water splitting and oxidative organic degradation) using photoactive semiconductors have received great attention in research community as it offers a greener and sustainable option to tackle energy and environmental issues. Upon illuminating with sufficient energy, charge separation takes place in photoactive semiconductors. These charges (electrons and holes) are responsible for the subsequent redox reactions, i.e. electrons for reduction and holes for oxidation. The redox reactions cease instantaneously in the absence of light. In order to extend the applicability of the photoactive semiconductors under dark condition, efforts have been made to store the light-induced charges and release the charges in dark. Incorporation of organic dye components and introduction of composite materials are the two successful examples that demonstrated the storing of light-induced charges. Both methods involve the utilization of external electron source and the creation of interfaces that introduce barriers in charge transfer process. Herein, we report an alternative way in employing simple metal oxide (WO3 or MoO3) thin film to harvest, store and use the light energy. The concept is built on the basis of the capability of certain metal oxide to accommodate alkali cations as the means of storing electron. Deintercalation of these alkali cations subsequently releases the stored charges for other useful redox reactions.

Light-induced photoelectrochemical charging and discharging in metal oxide thin silm

249th National Meeting (2015)

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