Charge Transfer in Nanocrystalline Semiconductor Electrodes

Abstract

Nanocrystalline electrodes in liquid junction devices possess a number of unique properties arising from their convoluted structure and the dimensions of their building units. The light-induced charge separation and transport in photoelectrochemical systems using nanocrystalline/nanoporous semiconductor electrodes is discussed here in connection with the basic principles of the (Schottky) barrier theory. Recent models for charge transfer kinetics in normal and unipolar (dye-sensitized) cells are reviewed, and novel concepts and materials are considered.