Universal economic reliance on perishable and environmentally harmful fossil fuels has led to increased demand for reusable green energy technologies. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting cell is one solution which utilizes the redox chemistry of water splitting to generate H<sub>2</sub> gas, a clean fuel source.  The electrodes currently used in PEC cells, however, lack stability, efficiency and commercial viability. This work seeks to create a novel working electrode out of affordable materials using the zirconium-based metal organic framework (MOF) UiO-66. This MOF offers a combination of Zr metal-oxide defect sites and aromatic organic linkers allowing for an adsorbent material that is also effective at light absorption. Unfortunately, UiO-66 contains a high UV region bandgap (2% of sunlight) and inefficient electron transport. Post synthetic modifications (PSM) of UiO-66 can be incorporated to improve material conductivity and photosensitize the MOF allowing for the absorption of visible light. This work features the investigation of functionalized UiO-66 composite materials consisting of conjugated polymeric chains, and organic dyes to create a novel electrode for use in a PEC cell.  The conductivity of each material was evaluated using a four point probe to measure current and voltage. Overall PEC performance was determined using voltage, current and product evolution light response trials in a 3electrode cell. Overall, this work provides a foundation for the design of low cost working electrodes ideal for PEC cells.<br/>

Functionalization of UiO-66 MOF composites to enhance catalytic performance for the photoelectrochemical water splitting cell

256th National Meeting (2018)

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