Combinatorial synthesis and screening of oxide materials for photoelectrochemical energy conversion

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to review the literature on combinatorial approaches for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The chapter starts by describing the universal role of the combinatorial approach in the development of new materials, from its start in pharmaceutical compounds to photoelectrochemical water splitting. Then the criteria for selecting materials suitable of water photoelectrolysis to produce hydrogen with sunlight with special attention to mixed metal oxides are presented. After a short description of the history of the combinatorial approach for PEC water splitting, the experimental methods employed for high-throughput combinatorial studies are outlined. The reported methods for library design, substrates used, methods of library preparation, sample firing, screening, and data processing are discussed. Next the libraries studied as potential candidates for (a) photocathodes for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), (b) photoanodes in oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and (c) electrocatalysts for hydrogen or oxygen evolution are discussed in more detail. The pronounced role of theory to support the combinatorial search for new materials is discussed. Finally the supporting role of distributed combinatorial outreach programs, where students have the opportunity to contribute to the discovery of new materials, is outlined.