QuantumSolarFuels · Photoelectrochemical Solar Light Conversion into Fuels on Colloidal Quantum Dots Based Photoanodes

The efficient use of solar energy is vital for the future of our Planet and to ensure to the next generations our and evensuperior welfare standards. Photoelectrochemical water splitting is a promising way to convert solar light into storable fuels,such as H2. However, an ideal photoanodic material for the oxygen evolution half-reaction has not been identified yet.Technologies based on solution-processed colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are promising for producing effectivephotoanodes because of their low manufacturing costs and the possibility of controlling the band gap of the material throughthe quantum size effect.The main scientific aim of the QuantumSolarFuels project is the preparation of photoanodes for water splitting based onCdSe, CdTe and CdSeTe CQDs and their protection against photocorrosion. The CQDs will be assembled in flat electrodeseffectively protected against photocorrosion and activated toward water oxidation through: a) the deposition of amorphousTiO2 and subsequent coating with metal based oxygen evolution catalysts or b) by direct coating them with the oxygenevolution catalysts.Further objectives are: 1) the identification of the optimal CdSeTe composition and CQDs size for the preparation of efficientphotoanodes; 2) the use of Cd-chalcogenide CQDs in solar cells and photo- and electro-catalysis for renewable fuelsproduction.Thanks to this action the researcher will become a World expert in these areas, in particular in the innovative use of CQDsfor photoelectrochemical water splitting applications.Taking full advantage of the complementary competences of the two involved research groups, the one at the beneficiaryinstitution expert in the fundamental chemical aspects of photocatalysis and the partner group more focused on theengineering and industrial exploitation of CQD science, the QuantumSolarFuels project will provide crucial achievements forthe future preparation of industrially compelling photoelectrochemical devices.