Molecular catalysts offer potentially high activity and selectivity, and their combination with semiconductor materials is an interesting alternative for solar fuels production. Time-resolved laser spectroscopy offers the possibility to follow the charge transfer dynamics of such systems, to identify reaction intermediates and their rates of interconversion.<br/> <br/>We have been able to follow light-induced hole injection into dye-sensitized, meso-porous NiO and subsequent, ultrafast electron transfer from dye to catalyst on the NiO surface. However, charge recombination with NiO holes is typically very rapid (&lt;1 ns), which limits efficiency of these devices. We have identified the optical signatures of different holes in NiO, and followed their dynamics on a ps-ns time scale. We have also demonstrated ultra-fast (&lt;1 ps) dye regeneration by a metal oxide electron transport layer. Our results suggest possibilities to greatly slow down recombination and thereby increase device efficiencies.<br/>

Following charge transfer dynamics in molecular catalyst/semiconductor systems by transient laser spectroscopy

2019 Spring National Meeting

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